The Story behind What  We Know of Taps

TAPS 

 We have all heard the haunting song, "Taps." It's the song that  gives us that lump in our throats and usually creates tears in our eyes. But, do you know the story behind the song? If not, I think  you will be pleased to find out about it's 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, Captain Ellicombe 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 he 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. 

Captain Ellicombe 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,  and at the end of each day on US military bases was born. 

 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 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.