TAPS, circa 1862
It all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union Army Captain
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.
the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moan of a soldier who lay mortally
wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate
the captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for
medical attention. Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the
reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment.
When the captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was
a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead.
The captain lit a lantern. Suddenly he caught his breath and went numb
shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own
The boy has been studying music in the South when the war broke out.
telling his father, he enlisted in the Confederate Army. The following
morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to
his son a full military burial despite his enemy status. His request was
partially granted. The captain had asked if he could have a group of
band members play a funeral dirge of the son at the funeral. That
turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. Out of respect for the
father, they did say they could give him only one musician. The captain
a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he found
piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform.
This wish was granted. This music was the haunting melody we now know
"Taps" used at military funerals.
Information provided by Lt Colonel Lewis Kirkpatrick, (Ret) Reserve Officers Association
Listen to TAPS while you read the lyrics.
Day is done,
gone the sun,
from the lakes
from the hills
from the sky,
all is well,
God is near.
Dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky
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 near.
Order To Observe Decoration Day, 1868
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