TAPS
"Story of Taps"
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.
Remember Those Lost and Harmed While Serving Their Country.
And also that are presently serving in the Armed Forces.
|
|