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If any of you have ever been to a military funeral in which taps was played; this brings out a new meaning of it.
'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 American 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, 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.
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.
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read more blogs!
Blogs by SweetKalena:
| The amazing history of "Taps" |
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oct_cat
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Oct 23 @ 7:48AM
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Taps can also be played at the funeral of any current or past veteran.
When my dad died 2 yrs ago he was a WWII veteran & we had the option of having taps played at his burial, along with having the U.S. flag draped over the coffin; which we opted not to do (they instead had the folded flag inside the cover--nice touch to show respect even for elderly veterans).
But planning & attending a funeral for an 88 yr old husband, father, grandfather & great-grandfather was emotional enough without having a bugler play that song.
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texasblues
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Oct 23 @ 8:45AM
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I love the story but snopes says the story is false 
Taps
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cbond35
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Oct 23 @ 8:49AM
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Yes..........Urban legend
There are several urban legends concerning the origin of Taps. The most widely circulated one states that a Union Army infantry officer, whose name is often given as Captain Robert Ellicombe, first ordered the Taps performed at the funeral of his son, a Confederate soldier killed during the Peninsula Campaign. This apocryphal[5][6][7] story claims that Ellicombe found the tune in the pocket of his son's clothing and performed it to honor his memory. But there is no record of any man named Robert Ellicombe holding a commission as captain in the Army of the Potomac during the Peninsula Campaign.
From Wiki...........
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ladyvampire
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Oct 23 @ 9:10AM
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Both of my parents are burried together in Arilington, Cemetary. I know first hand how that song can make you cry, even when you made a promise to your father not to.
It is a beautiful, yet haunting song, and Yes, I did know the story behind it.
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sawduster
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Oct 23 @ 6:28PM
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first off, in typical sawduster fashion, for those of you that know me, i don't give a frigging flying flip what the story is behind it. BUT, what ever the true history behind it is, being a military vet, i do hold it in very high regards, and my hardboild old heart softens a little each time i hear it. even before i was drafted, there used to be a few tv stations that would play it when they shut down . and every time it would pull at something in me.
also, a friend of mine at that time who was an ex-marine had a 45 record of an adaptation of it called "el silenzio", and if the spelling is wrong, oh well, i'm american not mexican. any who, it was a beautiful song.
and i damned well expect it to be played at my funeral, for the time, sacrifices, and and sweat i gave so freely during my time in the military. that day is coming sooner rather than later at this stage of my life.
ok, i relinguish the soap box, next.
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