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The History Of
"Taps"
We in the United States have all heard the haunting song, "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 interested 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 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 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 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 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 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. 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
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.
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