Story of "Taps"

 

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.

 

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.

 

I, too, have felt the chills while listening to "Taps" but I

have never seen all the words to the song until now. I didn't

even know there was more than one verse. I also never knew

the story behind the song and I didn't know if you had either

so I thought I'd pass it along. I now have an even deeper

respect for the song than I did before.

 

"written by Kevin w Anderson"