[or-roots] History of Taps

[Carylon Viuhkola]

My friend John sent this to me and thought you might like to know about its history.

Well, I guess history never stop amazing us, about Taps a gallant  story. If any of you have ever been to a military funeral in which  Taps were played; this brings out a new meaning of it.  Here is something every Canadian and American should know. Until I  read this, I didn't know, but I checked it out and it's true:

 We in Canada and the  USA 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 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, eartbroken, 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.  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.

 Remember Those Lost and Harmed While Serving Their Country. And also

 those presently serving in the Armed Forces.

Take care, John

 

 
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