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"Taps"
The History of Taps
We have all heard the haunting song, 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 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 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,
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.
I too, have felt the chills while listening to 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.
~Author unknown~
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