If any of you have ever been to a military funeral in which taps was
played, this brings out a new meaning of it.
Here is something EVERY AMERICAN should know. Until I read this, I didn’t
know, but I checked it out and it’s true:
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 his dead son’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.
| TAPS . . . |