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TAPS
The Men Who Have Recently Passed
Away
USS San Francisco (CA-38)
Why 'TAPS' is played..
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 North American should
know.. Until I read this, I knew nothing about
it's history.
We in the North America 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.
TheConfederate 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, heartbroken, the father
asked permission of his superiors to give his
son a full military buri al, 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
Remember Those Lost and Harmed While Serving
Their Country and also those
presently serving in the Armed Forces.
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