TAPS

How it became used at military funerals...

We have all heard the haunting song, "TAPS." It's the song that gives us that lump in our throats and usually creates tears in our eyes. But, do you know the story behind the song? If not, I think you will be pleased to find out about it's 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 severly 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:

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, 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.

GySgt Sierra

The following was written by my Grandfather - John L. Brown of Wymore, NE.  He was a chaplain for the American Legion Post there and he would read this while the flag was being folded at the cemetery

This banner of love and devotion now being folded

is a living memorial of the courageous thoughts

of our comrade - the one you came here today to honor.

The blue field represents the sky that overlooks

our land and denotes the watchfulness of God the eternal.

The red stripe tells us of the blood, sweat and tears

that has been offered and conquered by our comrades,

devotion to the responsible freedom of his/her country.

The white stripe boldly proclaims the peace

that he/she helped to bring future generations.

This is his/her flag, this is his/her spiritual heritage

receive it with the tears of our minds and the faith of our hearts