As We Go, This We Know

Was wondering about the origins of Taps as we come upon another Memorial Day. Here's some interesting info from a website devoted to this Military tradition:

TAPS
Of all the military bugle calls, none is so easily recognized or more apt to render emotion than the call Taps. The melody is both eloquent and haunting, while the history of its origin is interesting and somewhat clouded in controversy.

In the British army, a similar type of signal called Last Post has been sounded over soldiers' graves since 1885, but the use of Taps is unique to the United States military, since the call is sounded at funerals, wreath-laying ceremonies, and memorial services. A bugle call that beckons us to remember patriots who served our country with honor and valor, it is the most familiar call and one that moves all who hear it.

• During the Civil War, one of the easiest ways for a soldier to remember and recognize the many bugle calls heard both in battle and throughout the duty day was through words or ditties that were set to the notes of the calls for this exact purpose. Following this common practice, soon after Taps was first sounded in July 1862 words were put with the music.
  
• Since Taps was initially simply a signal for "Lights Out" at the end of the soldier's day, the first words were, "Go To Sleep, Go to Sleep." As the years went on many more versions were created.
  There are no official words to the music of Taps, but here are some of the more popular verses:

Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills,
From the sky.
All is well, safely rest,God is nigh.
Fades the light;
And afar Goeth day,And the stars
Shineth bright,Fare thee well;
Day has gone,Night is on.

Thanks and praise, For our days,
'Neath the sun, Neath the stars,'
Neath the sky,As we go,
his we know,God is nigh.