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.
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 fi nd out about its humble
beginnings.
Reportedly, it all began in
1862 during the Civil War,
when Union Army Captain
Robert Elli was with his men
The Story of “TAPS”
near Harrison’s Landing in
Virginia . The Confederate
Army was on the other side
of the narrow strip of land.
During the night, Captain Elli
heard the moans of a soldier
who lay severely wounded
on the fi eld. 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
gunfi re, the Captain reached
the stricken soldier and
began pulling him toward his
encampment..
When the Captain fi nally
reached his own lines, he
discovered it was actually a
Confederate soldier, but the
BRONX TIMES REPORTER,40 NOVVEMBER 6-12, 2020 BTR
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.
Submitted by “Aunt Cathy” Praino
The Lyrics of “TAPS”
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