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 it's 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 this 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 a 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 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.
Day is done,
Gone the sun,
From the lakes,
From the hills,
From the sky.
All is well,
Safety 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 that I did before.
REMEMBER THOSE LOST AND HARMED WHILE SERVING THEIR COUNTRY
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