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We in the United States have all heard
the haunting song, "Taps." It's the song that gives us that lump
in our throats and usually tears in our eyes. But, do you know the
story behind the song? If not, I think you will be interested to find
out about its humble beginnings. Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during
the Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near
Harris'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 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 now know as "Taps" ... used at
military funerals was born.
The words are ... |
