TAPS

If any of you have ever been to a military funeral in which taps was played, this will help you have a new respect for it, I hope. It's the song that gives us that lump in our throats and usually brings tears. I think you will be interested to find out about its humble beginnings.

Reportedly, it all began in 1863 during the War of Northern Aggression, 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.

The Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him back toward his encampment. When the Captain reached his 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 denied 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 know as 'Taps' used at military funerals was born.

The words are:

Days 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...

I've felt the chills while listening to Taps. I have a deep respect for the song. When I D.J. at some of the Vietnam Vets M/C functions, I close out my night of playing with Taps.

As a side note of info, Arlington National Cemetery is on what was General Robert E. Lee's home.

Remember Those Lost and Harmed While Serving Their Country in All Wars.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE, TO THE FLAG, OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION, UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.