We have heard the music “Taps” played all our lives. It is most always played by a bugle at military funerals and at many other occasions. Its sound is so plaintive that it almost seems emotional. However, most have never heard of its origin. I find its origin so interesting, that I wanted you to know about it also. Do read it:
It all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert Elli was with his men near Harrison’s Landing in Virginia . The Confederate Army was on the other side of the strip of land.
During the night, Captain Elli 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, 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 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. 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 went through the young man’s pockets and found a piece of paper. It had a series of musical notes. For his one musician the Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play the series of musical notes he had found on the 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.
However, there were also words there. So, as you read those words here, hum along the sound of Taps in your mind with each word.
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
Now you know the real history of Taps.
