"I have never seen the words to taps nor heard the story before.
It sure is a beautiful story.
We have all heard the haunting song, "TAPS"."
It's the song that gives us that lump in our throats
and usually creates tears in our eyes.
But, do you know the story behind the song?
If not, I think you will be pleased 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 severly wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union
or Confederate Soldier, Captain Ellicombe 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 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. Captain Ellicombe 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 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,
and at the end of each day on US military bases was born.
"TAPS"
Day is done.....Gone the sun.....
From the lakes---From the hills----From the skies.
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.
