We have all heard the
haunting melody of "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 pleased
to find out about its humble beginning.
Reportedly, it all
began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert
Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing, 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 was 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 towards the
encampment. When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he
discovered it was actually a Confederate, 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, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army.
The
following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission to
given his son a full military burial despite his enemy status.
His request was only partially granted. The Captain had
asked if could have a group of Army band members play a funeral
dirge for his son at the funeral. The request was denied since the
soldier was a Confederate. But, out of respect for the father,
they did say they could give him 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, which
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, Gleaning 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. I also never knew the story behind the
song and I didn't know if you had either so I thought I'd pass it
along. I now have an even deeper respect for the song than I did
before.
Each time you listen to "Taps" remember, and
whisper a prayer for each person who has ever risked their own
lives to protect our FREEDOM.
The
author to this story is unknown to me. This came to me by way of
email and I wanted to share it with all of you.
|
|