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History of the Melody “Taps”
We have all heard the haunting melody
of "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
delighted to find out about it’s humble beginnings.
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 mortally 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 towards 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, he 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. 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.
Written by Annette
Walden, date unknown.
Day is done,
Gone the sun,
From the lake,
From the hill,
From the sky.
All is well,
Safely rest,
God is nigh.
Thanks and praise
For our days
'Neath the sun,
'Neath the stars,
'Neath the sky.
As we go,
This we know,
God is nigh.