ORIGIN OF TAPS
'Taps'. It's the song that gives us that lump in our throats and
usually tears in our eyes.
But, do you know the story behind the song? If not, I
think you will be interested to find out about its humble beginnings.
Reportedly , it all began in 1862 during the Civil
War, when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's
Landing in Virginia . The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow
strip of land.
During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of
a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union
or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the
stricken man back for medical attention Crawling on his stomach through the
gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward
his encampment. When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it
was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead.
The Captain l it a lantern and suddenly caught his
breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the
soldier. It was his own son. The boy had been studying music in the South when
the war broke out. Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the
Confederate Army.
The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked
permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial, despite his
enemy status. His request was only partially granted.
The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army
band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral.
The request was
turned down since the soldier was a Confederate.
But, out of respect for the father, they did say they
could give him only one musician.
The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to
play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of
the dead youth's uniform.
This wish was granted.
The haunting melody, we
now know as 'Taps' used at military funerals was born.
The words are:
Day is done.
Gone the sun.
From
the lakes
From the hills.
From the sky.
All is well.
Safely rest.
God is nigh.
Fading light.
Dims the sight.
And a star.
Gems the sky.
Gleaming bright.
From afar.
Drawing nigh.
Falls the night.
Thanks and praise.
For our days.
Neath the sun
Neath the stars.
Neath the sky.
As we go.
This we know.
God is nigh
Remember Those Lost and Harmed While Serving Their Country.
Also
Remember Those Who Have Served And Returned; and for those presently serving in
the Armed Forces.