We have all heard the haunting song, "Taps". 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 delighted to
find out about it's humble beginnings. I apologize to those who find
this
in appropriate for our list; however, since so much of our genealogy
deals with events of the Civil War, I hope no one is too offended.
Lee Cagle
Okla City, OK
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
mortally
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, he had 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 funeral 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.