Taps
Humorus Items and Things to Think and Laugh About
Humorus Items and Things to Think and Laugh About
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 with its 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 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 Capitan decided to risk his life to bring the stricken man back for medical attention.
Crawling on his stomach through 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 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 has 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 as a Confederate. But, out of respect for the father, they did say that 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. The wish was granted. The haunting melody, we now know as “Taps” used at military furnerals, was born.
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 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 Capitan decided to risk his life to bring the stricken man back for medical attention.
Crawling on his stomach through 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 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 has 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 as a Confederate. But, out of respect for the father, they did say that 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. The wish was granted. The haunting melody, we now know as “Taps” used at military furnerals, was born.
Day is done
Gone the sun
From the lakes
From the hills
All is well,
Safely rest
God is nigh.
UPDATE FROM OUR MASONIC RESEARCH
The page looks great........ but the story, to the best of researched knowledge, may be urban legend.
http://www.west-point.org/taps/Taps.html