Monday, November 10, 2014

Taps - the meaning, submitted by Dennis Dooley

TAPS
Why Taps is played.
If any of you have ever been to a military funeral in which Taps was played, this will bring out a new meaning to it.
Here is something every American should know…but most don’t, until they read this:
We in the United States have all heard the haunting song, “Taps”.   It is the song that gives us that lump in our throats and usually tears to 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 to bring the striken 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 now 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 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 notes he 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.