That Haunting Song,   "Taps"

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.

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 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.

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.

~ Author Unknown ~