A Dixie Lady Deer Hunter

Monday, October 12, 2009

Taps

If any of you have ever been to a military
funeral in which taps was played; this brings out a new meaning of it.

Here is something Every American should know. Until I
read this, I didn't know, but I checked it out
and it's true:

We in the United States have all heard
the haunting song, 'Taps.' It's the song that
gives us the 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, heart broken, 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.
Also,
Remember Those Who Have Served And Returned; and
for those presently serving in the Armed
Forces.

8 comments:

Unknown said...

Wow! Incredible!

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Mairan, I am a veteran and appreciate those warm thoughts. I have never heard this story or new the words. Thank you so much for publishing this today.

Marian Ann Love said...

You are so welcome Mel...and thanks for serving our country.

It is incredible Pink Camo Gal - a touching/sad event.

"his-self" said...

Marian,

That's a great story but unfortunately not quite accurate. Here's the scoop from West Point.

http://www.west-point.org/taps/Taps.html

To my regret, I have heard that played too many times. It always brings a tear to my eye. A variation is "Echo Taps" where two buglers some distance apart, echo the notes (a somber dueling bugles). If you can survive that without tearing up, you are not human.

Marian Ann Love said...

Thanks his-self....I know...it makes me tear up everytime I hear it...there is something about it that is hard to explain. Thanks for coming by and for serving our country.

Tapsbugler said...

Hi

It is a myth

The real story is here:

http://www.tapsbugler.com/TapsMyth.html

The problem with copying the story off the internet word for word is the sentence that says: "Until I
read this, I didn't know, but I checked it out and it's true"

Of course the writer hasn't really checked it out, otherwise, one would know it's a myth. Just google "Taps Bugle"

PLEASE don't spread the myth...
Keep history correct. The real story is much more fascinating.

Thanks

Tapsbugler

Marian Ann Love said...

Tapsbugler - did not know that this was a 'myth' and I do want to keep history right...I thought it was a facinating story that interest me and had no idea until you and his-self set me straight...Thanks!

fuzzbert_1999@yahoo.com said...

Unfortunately, got to hear that played Thursday morning in Alabama. My Uncle Tom passed away and the Air Force sent an honor guard.

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