The story behind "Taps". Very Poignant

**Together2813** · 09-23-2009, 08:46 AM

If any of you have ever been to a military
funeral in which taps was played;
this brings out a new meaning of it.

Here is something Every American should know. Until I read this, I didn't know, but I checked it out and it's true:

We in the United States have all heard
the haunting song, 'Taps.' It's the song that
gives us the 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 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 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: 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.

I too have felt the chills while listening to
'Taps' but I have never seen all the words to
the song until now. I didn't even know
there was more than one verse . I also
never knew the story behind the song and I
didn't know if you had either so I thought I'd
pass it along.

**josier** · 09-23-2009, 08:48 AM

Oops.

snopes.com: Origin of 'Taps'

**CycloneErik** · 09-23-2009, 08:48 AM

I've presented the flag to a couple of widows (as the OIC for the funeral detail). That whole time is a powerful experience.

**Together2813** · 09-23-2009, 08:48 AM

Sorry about the different colors, it was a cut and paste from an email.

**josier** · 09-23-2009, 08:51 AM

Here's the real story

TAPS

**DaddyMac** · 09-23-2009, 08:54 AM

Don't they sound Taps during the flag lowerings on posts? Daily?

**CycloneErik** · 09-23-2009, 08:55 AM

Originally Posted by DaddyMac

Don't they sound Taps during the flag lowerings on posts? Daily?

Is that "retreat" that they sound? We'll have to look this up.

**MidwestZest** · 09-23-2009, 08:58 AM

Originally Posted by CycloneErik

Is that "retreat" that they sound? We'll have to look this up.

yes, i believe so

**Together2813** · 09-23-2009, 08:58 AM

Originally Posted by josier

Here's the real story

TAPS

Interesting read. Thanks for that. I'm a sucker for what all chain emails tell me

**DaddyMac** · 09-23-2009, 08:59 AM

Originally Posted by CycloneErik

Is that "retreat" that they sound? We'll have to look this up.

You're right. Retreat at flag lowering. Taps or "lights out" is still end of night.

Not sure they do much of this anymore, but it's interesting

Bugle Calls

**MidwestZest** · 09-23-2009, 09:01 AM

Most bases play at least Reveille and Retreat

**CycloneErik** · 09-23-2009, 09:04 AM

This seems fitting enough for this thread:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-Xrlf3taEo]YouTube - "Taps"[/ame]

**Cyclonepride** · 09-23-2009, 09:04 AM

This is as good as any time to bring up the movie "Taking Chance". Everyone should see it.

**Stewo** · 09-23-2009, 09:04 AM

Originally Posted by CycloneErik

Is that "retreat" that they sound? We'll have to look this up.

Retreat it is. Many bases fire off a cannon while they are lowering the flag.

**DaddyMac** · 09-23-2009, 09:06 AM

Originally Posted by Cyclonepride

This is as good as any time to bring up the movie "Taking Chance". Everyone should see it.

Awesome flick - I teared up a number of times.

The first scenes at the airport, and the procession in the hearse were over powering.

And the pictures during the credits were crushing. That kid looked so, so young.