Story of Taps: A final bugle call

The 24-note melancholy bugle call known as "taps" is thought to be a revision of a French bugle signal, called "tattoo," that notified soldiers to cease an evening's drinking and return to their garrisons. It was sounded an hour before the final bugle call to end the day by extinguishing fires and lights. The last five measures of the tattoo resemble taps.

The word "taps" is an alteration of the obsolete word "taptoo," derived from the Dutch "taptoe." Taptoe was the command - "Tap toe!" - to shut ("toe to") the "tap" of a keg.

Summer Art Decorate your Bike Make A Flag

Most Americans will be attending a parade as part of their Independence Day celebration.

If your bicycle is going to the parade or you will be in the parade, we've provided supply lists and how to steps to turn bicycles, tricycles, and golf carts into a red, white and blue mobile display.  

Flag making is an excellent way to celebrate a special occasion during the summer.  The next activity lesson from the Resource Center is how to make your own flag.  Great fun for the entire family.

Bicycle Decoration Materials

•        Red crepe paper streamers

•        White crepe paper streamers

•        Blue crepe paper streamers

•        Scissors

•        Tape

•        Bicycle, tricycle, golf cart or wagons make wonderful mini floats

  Independence Day Art Activity For 4th of July

Parent Tips Independence Day July 4th For Kids and Family  You and your child can create red, white, and blue masterpiece as part of your family celebration preparation.  

Personal Paper Fireworks Display  

 MATERIALS   NEEDED

 1. White paper

2. Crayons of various colors, one must be black