TAPS
We 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 this 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...
is this true? other songs that send a shiver down the spine and put a lump in my throat are "the Last Post" played on the bugle and " Amazing Grace" and "Scotland the Brave" played on bagpipes.
