TAPS 
Traditional


I never knew this and you probably did not either, but I'm sure will 
never forget it. 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 
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 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 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.