Silver Taps will
be held April 1, 2008
in honor of
Joseph Sebastian Dimare IV - Chemical Engineering
Lauren Elizabeth Lewis - Interdisciplinary Studies
Eleshea G. Pride - Agriculture Leadership and Development
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Silver Taps is that final tribute paid to an Aggie who, at
the time of his death, was enrolled in graduate or undergraduate courses at
Texas A&M. It began in 1898 when the first Silver Taps was held in honor
of Lawrence Sullivan Ross. The ceremony was observed in front of Old Main
until it burned in 1912, and then in front of Goodwin Hall until 1918 when
it was moved to the present site, in front of the Academic Building.
Over time, new traditions have been added to Silver Taps. In
the 1920’s, the flag was placed at half-staff the day of Silver Taps. The
special music "Silver Taps," composed by Colonel Richard J. Dunn,
was played by two buglers during the 1930’s. This haunting arrangement is
not formally written; it is passed from bugler to bugler. The chimes, which
play prior to Silver Taps, were rung from 1955 to 1973. They were resumed in
1975 after the renovation of the Memorial Student Center. Formerly, Silver
Taps was observed as soon as possible after the death of an Aggie. Today it
is held on the first Tuesday of each month from September to April, if
necessary.
The ceremony begins on the day of Silver Taps when the flag
in front of the Academic Building is placed at half-staff. Notices are
posted at the Memorial Student Center, Evans Library, and at the base of the
flagpole in front of the Academic Building. At 10:15 p.m., chimes from the
Albritton Bell Tower begin to play. The ceremony begins at 10:30 o’clock
as the Ross Volunteers Firing Squad marches in slow cadence to the statue of
Lawrence Sullivan Ross. Three volleys are fired. "Silver Taps" is
played by six buglers three times – to the North, West, and South. This
concludes the ceremony, but not the feelings of respect and honor.
With respect, the ceremony of Silver Taps is dedicated to
the deceased Aggie and is a solemn and serious event. Some important
observances must be remembered:
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The area between the Sul Ross statue and the Academic
Building is reserved for the friends and family of the deceased.
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Aggies do not stand or sit on the benches lining the
walkway between the flagpole and the Sul Ross statue.
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The darkness and quiet, which cover the campus,
emphasize the mood for Silver Taps. Aggies help to retain this
tranquility by covering windows, keeping noise to a minimum, and walking
to and from the ceremony without talking.
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The name of the deceased Aggie is posted on the flagpole
base during the day of Silver Taps.
If you have questions or would like more
information about Silver Taps, please contact Ms. Risa Bierman at (979) 845-3113 - phone; or e-mail to
RisaB@tamu.edu.
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Silver
Taps at A&M
By Mrs. Jeanette Hennigan ©
You hear about the Aggie Band
And the Spirit of Aggieland.
But few have heard the Farewell Hymn
Of Silver Taps at A&M
All day the flag flies at half-mast.
A sign to us of a solemn task,
To bid farewell to one who’s gone.
With Silver Taps he’s not alone.
The night is dark and very still.
Where Sully stands the area fills
With a silent crowd of those who care.
Their hearts all joined in silent prayer
The Ross Volunteers, the honor guard,
Speak for us all as their guns discharge.
Twenty-one guns now blast the air
And fade away in the darkness there.
The taps blow loud from the tower near.
And twice again so faint, yet clear.
Like rustling wings of a soul in flight,
Silver Taps fades in the night.
You stand spellbound, you scarcely breathe.
With heavy heart you turn to leave.
Your Aggie friend no more you’ll see,
Till Silver Taps is blown for thee.
Silver Taps at A&M
Will always be our farewell hymn
To those who’ve gone to heights unknown.
With Silver Taps, he journeys on.
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