Anyone who has ever served in the armed forces has heard 'Taps' at the end of each day
It is a reminder that another day has passed and they are still in the service of our country, still free and proud
Taps is also played at Military Funerals, a final farewell and rest in peace to those who bravely served and gave all for our freedom
We will forever salute you
We will forever remember your families in our daily prayers
For they have also given so much in the service of the country, for our freedom
Never Forget
The True Story Behind Taps!
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 moan of a soldier who lay mortally 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
Suddenly, he caught his breath and went numb with shock
In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier
It was his son
The boy had been studying music in the south when the war broke out
Without telling his father, he 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 partially granted
The captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for the son at the funeral
That request was 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 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 his dead son's uniform
This wish was granted
This music was the haunting melody we now know as "Taps" that is used at all military funerals
Day Is Done, Gone The Sun
From The Lake, From The Hills
From The Sky
All Us Well, Safely Rest
God Is Nigh
Fading Light Dims The Sight
And A Star Gens The Sky
Gleaming Bright
From Afar, Drawing Nigh
Falls The Night
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