Day is done...

Growing up in Massachusetts, I went to Girl Scout camp for two weeks every August. My mother had been the camp nurse when I was very young and I attended even then. 

 

So most of the years from age two till age thirteen, that’s where I was the first two weeks in August. My mother’s foster sister (my aunt) was the lifeguard and swimming coach there as well. And did I mention, my mother’s foster mother (my grandmother), was the secretary for the local Girl Scout chapter.

 

Every night at camp we would have a campfire where we’d sing songs and talk about the day. The head counselor’s name was Skipper (okay, nickname, but that’s all I remember) and when we were done, Taps would be played and she would sing the lyrics below, then say “Goodnight, girls,” and send us off to our cabins for sleep.

 

For the rest of my life, Taps has been associated with those words and the wonderful memories of those nights. Back then, I had no idea that Taps was associated with the military and funerals. According to this page, it was originally created to signal “lights out”. 

 

So it was very appropriate for Skipper to use at the end of every campfire.

Lyrics History

Skipper died when I was about twelve and hers was the first funeral I ever attended. 

Taps was played and I cried. 

 

I still cry every time I hear taps.