Taps

If any of you have heard Taps, the military trumpet played notes at military funerals, then you have heard a truly moving piece of music in its true simplicity. I learned to play Taps when I was in school by pure chance on my trumpet. I have always had a good ear and tried to match the notes until I had the melody perfect. I was unaware until recently the true beauty if this music. So here is a small tale for you to all hear about how Taps came to being. Melding music, history, and poetry all in one.

We have all heard Taps at one point in our lives whether in person or in the movies. It brings tears to our eyes and lumps to our throats with it's haunting sound that moves us.

The Myth:

It all began in 1862, during the Civil War. The Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his troops near Harris Landing in Virginia. They waited to enter battle with the Confederate army who also waited on another side of the small strip of land that separated the two combatants.

During the night, he heard the moans of a wounded soldier on the field of battle and risking his own life, went to retrieve the wounded man not knowing if he was comrade or enemy. It was so dark that he could not see the man he rescued until he had returned to his camp. By then, the man was dead.

Light illuminated the face of his own son who had been fighting with the Confederate soldiers against his own father. The boy had been studying music in the South when the war had broken out and had not told his father that he had joined in the Confederate Army.

Even though he was an enemy soldier, the Captain asked if he could be buried with military honors and a band. His wish was only partially granted. He was only granted one instrument from the band to play at the funeral. The Captain chose a bugler (trumpet player) to play the music that he had found in his son's pocket.

The Truth:

The tune is a variation of an earlier tune called the Scott Tattoo used from 1835-1860. It was arranged in its present form by Union Army Brigadier General Daniel Butterfield while at Harris's Landing in Virgina, July 1862. His main objective was to replace the Scott Tattoo, used for "lights out" which was a French created tune. Butterfield's bugler, Oliver W. Norton, was the first bugler to play the newly arranged tune. Within months, both North and South forces had fully adopted the Taps tune.

Today, Taps is used to culminate military funerals around the United States as well as memorial services held within Arlington National Cemetery. When sounded, it is customary for military personnel to salute. The corresponding civilian response to Taps is to put their hand over their heart (much like the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem).

It is also sounded at each of the 2,500 wreath ceremonies held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier every year, including the ones held on Memorial day. These ceremonies are viewed by thousands of people each year. Taps continues to be sounded at non-deployed military locations to indicate "lights out".

The Lyrics to the music:

Fading light dims the sight

And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright

From afar drawing nigh,

Falls the night.

Day is done, gone the sun

From the lakes, from the hills, from the skies

All is well, safely rest;

God is nigh.

Then goodnight, peaceful night;
Till the light of the dawn shineth bright.

God is near, do not fear;

Friend, goodnight.

Imagine those lyrics being sung to what I hear as the most beautifully haunting tune in America.