We in the United States have all heard the haunting 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?
If not, I think you will be interested to find out about its
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
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 as "Taps" .. used at military
Funerals 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 ...
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 "Taps" but I have
never seen all the words to the song until now. I didn't even
know there was more than one verse.
REMEMBER THOSE LOST AND HARMED WHILE SERVING THEIR COUNTRY.
And also those presently serving in the Armed Forces.
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?
If not, I think you will be interested to find out about its
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
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 as "Taps" .. used at military
Funerals 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 ...
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 "Taps" but I have
never seen all the words to the song until now. I didn't even
know there was more than one verse.
REMEMBER THOSE LOST AND HARMED WHILE SERVING THEIR COUNTRY.
And also those presently serving in the Armed Forces.
