I don't know if this is authentic but it sure is interesting
Why "TAPS" is played..
If any of you have ever been to a military funeral in where taps
was played, this brings out a new meaning of it. Here is something every should know.
Until I read following:
All will have heard the haunting bugle arrangement of Taps, a call that gives that lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes at such events as Legion ceremonies and military funerals. But, do you know the story behind the music? If not, I think you will be interested to find out about its humble beginnings and the lyric.
It is reported to have begun in 1862 during the U.S. 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 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, now 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 had this sent by a Canadian mate. Personally I think it is romantic twaddle. Taps is tradintionally the last call of the day before lights out and gets the name 'Taps' as it was the signal to turn off the beer taps and retur to camp.
The British play Last post and reveille after 2 minutes silence,to signify the end of a life and the begining of a new era without the deceased.
Arnie
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