TAPS
In the United States we have all heard the haunting song, "Taps."
It's the song that gives you that lump in your throats and usually tears in your eyes.
This is the story behind the song and 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 but, out of respect for the father,
they did say they could give hm 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, you 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 stars,
'Neath the sky,
As we go,
This we know,
God is nigh.