hensylee
Well-known member
As memorial day weekend approaches, a very appropriate story is below.
Subject: Taps
TAPS: 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 its humble beginnings.
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 a 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 towards his encampment. When the Captain
finally reached his own lines, he discovered the wounded man was actually a
Confederate soldier, but the soldier was already 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 had 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. Captain Ellicombe 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 that they would provide 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.
The wish was granted and the haunting melody we now know as "Taps," used at
military funerals and at the end of each day on US military bases was born.
Day is done
Gone the Sun
From the Lakes
From the hills
From the skies
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.
Subject: Taps
TAPS: 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 its humble beginnings.
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 a 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 towards his encampment. When the Captain
finally reached his own lines, he discovered the wounded man was actually a
Confederate soldier, but the soldier was already 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 had 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. Captain Ellicombe 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 that they would provide 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.
The wish was granted and the haunting melody we now know as "Taps," used at
military funerals and at the end of each day on US military bases was born.
Day is done
Gone the Sun
From the Lakes
From the hills
From the skies
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.
