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TAPS
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
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.
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