TAPS
We in the United States have all heard the haunting song, "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 lit 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 ...
I, too, have felt the chills while listening to "Taps" but I have
never seen all the words to the song until now. I didn't even know there was
more than one verse. I also never knew the story behind the song and I didn't
know if you had either so I thought I'd pass it along. I now have an even deeper
respect for the song than I did before.
REMEMBER THOSE LOST AND HARMED WHILE SERVING THEIR COUNTRY. And also those
presently serving in the Armed Forces..