We have all heard the haunting melody of "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 pleased 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, Virginia.
The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land.
During the night, Captain Ellisombe heard the moans of a soldier who was
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 the 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 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 denied
since the soldier was a Confederate. But, out of respect for the
father, they did say they could give him 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, which 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,
Gleaning 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.
