TAPS
I received this very special story of "Taps" from my dear friend
Billie and would like to thank her for sharing it with me. After
September 11, I felt that it is a story that needs to be passed on.
We have all heard the haunting song, "Taps". It's the song that
gives us that lump in our throats and usually brings tears to our
eyes. But do you know the story behind the song? If not, I think
you will be pleased to learn about it's 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 striken man back for medical
attention.
Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached
the striken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment.
When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered that
it was actually a Confederate soldier but the soldier had died. 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 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. That 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 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.
|
