We all in the United States have heard the haunting song, "TAPS" It's the song that gives us a lump in our throats and a tear in our eyes when we hear it played at a military funeral.Here is the story that gave birth to that song and the words.
It all began during the Civil War during 1862 when Union Captain Robert Elli and his men were near Harrison's Landing in Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land during the battle.
During the night, Captain Elli heard the moans of a soldier who lay wounded on the field. Not knowing if the soldier was Union or Confederate, the Captain decided to risk his life to bring the stricken soldier back for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire he reached the soldier and pulled him back to his encampment.
The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son. He was dead! His son had been studying music in the South when the war broke out and enlisted in the Confederate Army without telling his father.
The following morning the father asked permission for a full military funeral for his son. His request was partically granted. He asked for a group of his band members to play a dirge at his son's funeral but was turned down since his son was a Confederate. Out of respect for the father they did grant him one musician, he choose a Bugler. The haunting melody we know today as "TAPS" was born. The musical notes and words were found in the pocket of his dead son's uniform.
I've never knew there were words to "Taps"
Day is gone.....Gone the sun.....From the lakes..... From the hills....From the sky.....All is well.... Safely rest....God is nigh
Finding light....Dims the sight.....And a star....Gems the night.....From a far....Drawing nigh.....Falls the night.
Thanks and Praise....For our days....Neath the sun....Neath the stars.... As we go..... This we know.... God is nigh.
REMEMBER THOSE WHO HAVE GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR OUR COUNTRY AND OUR FREEDOM.
What a touching story,, I, neither knew there were words for taps... It was played at my dear cousins funeral when i was about 12,, I held it all in until the bugle started playing...Then I fell to pieces...
ReplyDeleteWhat, Beautiful and sad story....
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Uncle.
"Happy Memorial Day"
God bless you. yours and your Land.
~ Hugz :o)
I never knew there were words to Taps.
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting this.
I had no idea there was words. Sad story important to our history. Thx Nick.
ReplyDeletePerfect MD post! Thank you, Nick. We used to sing Taps with just a slight variation at girl scout camp.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this very inspiring story behind this very meaningful song. I knew the words to Taps way back when I was a little girl scout. We used to sing them in camps and I used to think it was only to signify the end of the day. The weight of the words bury deep now in my hearts, especially after knowing a wonderful story behind it. Once again, thank you so much. And HAPPY FATHER'S DAY tomorrow. I know you are a very good father to your children.
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