"TAPS: The Story Behind the Bugler"
TAPS: The Story Behind the Bugler
This is one of those fascinating, but little know historical facts.
In his book,
Amazing but True, Doug Storers says this occurred at Harrison's Point,
Va. in 1862.
We have all heard the haunting melody of "Taps." It's the song that
gives us that lump
in our throats and tears in our eyes. But do you know the story behind
the song?
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 Ellisombe 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 toward the 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 lighten
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 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 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.
Here are the little-known lyrics to "Taps"
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.
