Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May. Today, we honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. They gave their lives to protect the freedom and security of our nation’s citizens. No gift could be greater. Many traditions abound to acknowledge our fallen heroes. Parade marchers carry American flags past overcrowded sidewalks. Gold star families that visit cemeteries everywhere. The famed ceremony at the tomb of the unknown soldier, giving hope to grieving families. But perhaps more than that, there is no greater significance on Memorial Day than the playing of “Taps”. It signals the end of the fallen service person’s duty, marking our final tribute of gratitude. This musical gift of honor and respect touches us deeply no matter how many times we have heard it. This, a sincere tribute from eGifter.com.

Every “Taps” Player Started by Learning a Simple Musical Scale

To think, the source of each somberly played “Taps” tune traces back to the musician’s interest in learning to play their instrument. Especially on Memorial Day, eGifter.com is proud to make available gift cards to Guitar Center, where fine trumpets, cornets and bugles are sold. Regardless of whether you have youth, or age, on your side, it is never too late to learn to play “Taps”. We hope to inspire the young and young-at-heart. Goodness knows our country needs all the inspiration and honor there is to have.

“Taps” is a Military Signal, Not a Song

Through the reliable source of Wikipedia, we learn that the words are not lyrics, but rather a mnemonic device. Here is a tidbit of information for the musically inclined about the melody of “Taps”. It is composed entirely from the written notes of the C major triad. This is because the bugle, for which it is written, is fundamentally limited, restricting the tune to just a few available notes. Interestingly, the musical gift of honor and respect comes down to B-flat, D, and F.

Let’s take a beat to remember the fallen heroes whose sacrifice means so much. To that end, eGifter Stories is proud to honor our service men and women with this tribute:

Day is done, gone the sun,
 Fromthelake, from-the-hills, from the sky;
 All is well, safely rest, G-d is nigh.
…
As we go … This we know . G-d is nigh

eGifter customers are a particularly giving bunch. Beyond being savvy shoppers and understanding the ins and outs of achieving great savings and discounts from points, promos and deals from gift card purchases at eGifter.com, our customers are great Gift Givers. We thank everyone that gave us permission to post the thank you notes they received from eGift Cards they’ve given over the past days, ESPECIALLY on Giving Tuesday. Thanks, ya’ll!

“Having to leave my new baby in the NICU has been a challenge I never anticipated. The gift card you gave me so that I could pick up a quick lunch at Panera and spend the maximum amount of time at the hospital has provided just the relief I needed during these difficult days. Thanks for being such a good friend.”

“Your sweet and lovely present has worked its way into my heart. I used the gift card to purchase something special — to always remind me of the very special person that you are. I love ya, dude.”

“I don’t believe that  “Thanks” can sufficiently repay you for the help you’ve extended with this Home Depot gift card. Knowing that I couldn’t hire a contractor — but could do the work myself — you’ve made my load lighter. I am indeed indebted to you, my friend.”

“It is not surprising that you are such a spectacular gift-giver, Sis. From our earliest years of sharing a bedroom, a guitar and a wardrobe, you have been one of the kindest people I have ever known. You inspire me to be a better person. My love to you always.”

“Mom & Dad, how do you always know exactly what I need? While my first months away at college have been great, things have also been kinda uncomfortable. The Wayfair gift card was perfect!  I’m going to outfit my new digs to be more stylish (AND comfortable!). My grades and my future will definitely benefit from that. I’m always going to make you proud.” 

As for the eGifter Team, we always appreciate being included in your occasion and for the opportunity to spread the love.

The most special gifts I’ve ever received have been things my boys made for me by hand. 

But it’s not just that. There’s something much more incredible about those gifts that makes my heart leap. More on that later.

How I love those construction paper greeting cards made with little fingers — the crayon stick figures representing each of us, labeling us by name. (These treasures are framed for proud display in lots of places throughout the house — so many were given through the years.) And how I swoon each time I pass by the matching popsicle stick picture frames — the red magic marker hearts enveloping those two sweet faces smiling for class photos. (These two treasures hang in the most trafficked hallway in the house, where I marvel at them time and again.) And certainly I’m biased toward the self portrait sketch drawings that show both maturity and skill, which I got this past Mother’s Day. (Those beauties adorn our piano, a prized spot in our home.)

“Meaning year after year, the gifts I give to THEM are given back to ME!”

One year for my birthday, my young sons spent hours baking in the kitchen supervised by their Dad. After much  laughing and singing (and mess making), they finally presented a two-layer cake with frosting made from fresh strawberries. I remember that cake in particular because the candles were battery powered. We all sang” Happy Birthday To You” to musical accompaniment supplied by electronic candles. We posted those pics to Facebook for posterity. We still giggle every time we hear the Happy Birthday song — I’m sure the tune will always amuse us.

Of course, it’s not surprising that gifts from children would be so meaningful, especially when recounted by their mother. Thing is, there is something even MORE touching about these handmade gifts…

It stems from the Target eGiftCards I stuff into their Christmas stockings, which has now become a holiday tradition. Rather than ask me for money to buy arts & crafts materials, they unselfishly purchase those materials at Target with their gift cards. Those crayons, markers, pencils, construction paper, popsicle sticks, glue, cake molds, decorations, sketch pads and more — were all purchased with Target print delivery gift cards that started as stuffers in their own Christmas gifts. Meaning year after year, the gifts I give to THEM are given back to ME!

You see, I *really* wanted my boys to enjoy sprees at Target, shopping for things boys love — like baseball mitts, board games, bike helmets and video games. But, no! Instead, these two kind hearts choose to spend gift cards that were meant for them — on ME instead!

Needless to say, I am one lucky Mom.

And, credit where it’s due —  thanks, Target!