Taps


We in the United States have all heard the 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?

It all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when a Union Army Captain, Robert Ellicombe, was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia.

The Confederate Army was on the other side of this narrow strip of land. 

During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded
on the battle 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, 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 and 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 the heartbroken 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. 

The haunting melody, we now know as "Taps" 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.

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