I just wanted to share this with everyone.
THE STORY BEHIND "TAPS"
It all began 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 moan 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. Suddenly, he 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
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 partially
granted.
The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge
for the son at the funeral. That request was turned down
since the soldier was a Confederate. 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 his dead son's uniform. This wish was granted.
This music was the haunting melody we now know as "TAPS" that is used at all
military funerals.
In case you are interested, these are the words to "TAPS":
Day is done
Gone the sun
From the lakes
From the hills
From the sky
All is well
Safely rest
God is nigh.