Went to my first silver taps in 10+ years tonight, I never remembered albritton ringing following the bugles playing. It rang 32 times (by my count), what am I missing? Is there some meaning I never knew about as a student?

No idea.

I don't remember if it rang when I was a student.

I've tried to count, but always got thrown off.

I think it rings for 5ish minutes. Then stops about 10 to 11.

Maybe it's something along the "the bell tolls for thee" type thing.

As a student I never paid attention as I was with my dorm. And focused on respecting and honoring those that passed.

Looking on the TAMU website shows nothing about it.

Good question.

Found this:

http://today.tamu.edu/2017/03/02/texas-am-to-honor-3-aggies-during-silver-taps-ceremony-march-7/


The tolling marks the end of the ceremony.

The firing squad begins to leave at 21 bells which is also when the Corps heads back to the dorms.

CharlieBrown17 said:

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The firing squad begins to leave at 21 bells which is also when the Corps heads back to the dorms.

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This.

our most special tradition, even if it comes in the face of such tragedy.

Ragoo said:

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our most special tradition, even if it comes in the face of such tragedy.

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CharlieBrown17 said:

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The firing squad begins to leave at 21 bells which is also when the Corps heads back to the dorms.

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Correct

Was Albritton still playing hymns before the ceremony? I hope modern culture doesn't take that away

AggieBand2004 said:

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CharlieBrown17 said:

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The firing squad begins to leave at 21 bells which is also when the Corps heads back to the dorms.

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Correct

Was Albritton still playing hymns before the ceremony? I hope modern culture doesn't take that away

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"back in my day" yes they still play hymns before the ceremony

AggieBand2004 said:

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CharlieBrown17 said:

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The firing squad begins to leave at 21 bells which is also when the Corps heads back to the dorms.

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Correct

Was Albritton still playing hymns before the ceremony? I hope modern culture doesn't take that away

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This still happens. Starts at 2210 or 2215 I think. Never checked my watch but know we've been there before it started a few times.

Ragoo said:

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our most special tradition, even if it comes in the face of such tragedy.

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I always explain silver taps to people as my favorite tradition that I wish never happens

So I was expecting the bells to ring 21 times to echo the 21 gun salute but I got to 32 and thought; that's a random number to end on...

Never counted the bells, they may just ring until a determined time like 2245 instead of mirroring the 21 gun salute

I've always wondered about the bells myself

The bells also keep the mood and cover the sound of everyone walking back some.