“Taps” is sounded nightly by the U S military to indicate that it is “lights out”. It is played on bugle or trumpet during flag ceremonies and at the conclusion of most military funerals. The tune in its present form was arranged by Union Army Brigadier General Daniel Butterfield.
When "Taps" is sounded at a funeral, it is customary for serving members of the military or veterans to salute. The corresponding gesture for civilians is to place the right hand over the heart.
All is Well, Safely Rest:
Sgt. Louis R. Torres
I Got The News Today (IGTNT) , which began in April of 2004, is one of the oldest continuous series on Daily Kos and provides members of this community a venue to pay their respects to those who have died as a result of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The IGTNT title is a reminder that nearly every day the family of an active duty service member receives the terrible news that their beloved has died.
Since 2001 we have lost 2103 American troops in Afghanistan and a total of 3156 American and coalition forces.
Amazing Grace and Taps
Performed at Arlington National Cemetery
Day is done...Gone the sun
From the lake...
From the hills...
From the sky.
All is well...Safely rest
God is nigh.
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Sgt. Louis R. Torres, 23, of Oberlin, Ohio
Sgt Torres died on Wednesday, August 22nd in San Antonio, Texas after having been wounded on August 6th in Afghanistan when he was struck by an enemy IED.
Louis Torres graduated in 2008 from Lorain County Joint Vocational School where he took classes in law enforcement and security and was a member of the football team.
His mother, Armanda Ellis said that during her son's senior year in high school she kept getting phone calls from the Army and the Marines. She kept hanging up on them, but knew something was up and was not terribly surprised when two weeks after graduation, Louis asked for his birth certificate because he had joined the Army.
Ellis remembers that even as a 5- or 6-year-old Torres loved to play with military men. He was also a history buff, sitting in front of the television watching the History Channel, learning about various wars and battles.
"He was very outgoing, very much a leader," said his mother, Armanda Ellis. "He loved fighting for his country."
Sgt Torres served in Iraq from August 2009 through June 2010 prior to this deployment to Afghanistan in December of 2011.
Louis had visited with his family in Oberlin at the end of June and returned to Afghanistan just days before his July 5th birthday. He had just slightly more than a month remaining on this tour.
Sgt. Torres' older brother, Alberto Torres was also stationed in Afghanistan and when officials told him Louis had been injured, he was able to accompany his brother to the hospital in Germany. Sgt Torres was later transferred to a San Antonio hospital.
His mother, Armanda Ellis said:
He was a leader, not a follower. He was very kind-hearted and a great son. He was always thinking of me. He made sure that I was on Facebook so he could tell me Happy Mother's Day and Valentine's Day.
I'm very proud of him. He was so dedicated. He was good at what he did.
Sgt Louis R. Torres’ awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Overseas Ribbon. Military officials awarded Sgt Torres a Purple Heart after he arrived in San Antonio.
Sgt. Louis R. Torres is survived by his mother, Armanda Ellis; father, Alberto Torres, Sr.; brother, Alberto; brother Andre and sister Ayanna.
Funeral services are tentatively planned for August 31st in Oberlin, Ohio.
~ DoD News Release ~ Source ~ Source
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About the IGTNT series:
"I Got the News Today" is a diary series intended to honor, respect, and remind us of the sacrifice of our US troops. Click here to see the series, which was begun by i dunno, and which is maintained by Sandy on Signal, noweasels, monkeybiz, blue jersey mom, Chacounne, twilight falling, joyful, SisTwo, SpamNunn, TrueBlueMajority, CalNM, Wide Awake in Kentucky, maggiejean, kestrel9000, TheFatLadySings, Ekaterin and me, JaxDem.
These diaries are heartbreaking to write, but are an important service to those who have died, and show our community’s respect for them. Diaries about the fallen usually appear two days after their names are officially released, which allows time for the IGTNT team to find and tell their stories.
Sgt Bowe R. Bergdahl
The only known current Prisoner of War is Sgt. Bowe R. Bergdahl, 26 who was captured by the Taliban in June of 2009. Five propaganda videos featuring Bergdahl have been released by the Taliban. A website has been established with the most up-to-date information on Sgt. Bergdahl.
Please keep good thoughts and prayers for Sgt. Bowe R. Bergdahl.
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Please bear in mind that these diaries are read by friends and family of the service members mentioned here. May all of our remembrances be full of compassion rather than politics.