A Funeral Song

Day is done, gone the sun,
From the hills, from the lake,
From the sky.
All is well, safely rest,
God is nigh.

Go to sleep, peaceful sleep,
May the soldier or sailor,
God keep.
On the land or the deep,
Safe in sleep.

Love, good night, Must thou go,
When the day, And the night
Need thee so?
All is well. Speedeth all
To their rest.

Fades the light; And afar
Goeth day, And the stars
Shineth bright,
Fare thee well; Day has gone,
Night is on.

Thanks and praise, For our days,
'Neath the sun, Neath the stars,
'Neath the sky,
As we go, This we know,
God is nigh.

Although you have heard the notes to this beautiful song, most people have ever heard the words sung. The song is Taps, played at bedtime to all of our military personnel throughout the world. Officially know as Extinguish Lights (Lights Out); familiar to most of us as a song played at military and first responder funerals. I don’t think the origin of the song has ever been absolutely established. Here is the link to the West Point site where a thorough explanation is offered:

http://www.west-point.org/taps/Taps.html

I am going to offer you version of the story that has likely been fictionalizes, to an extent, to give it that heart touching appeal. It has to do with a Civil War Union Army Captain Robert Elli.  All or parts of this story may not be true. It is a story that may require a tissue.

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 eye. But, do you know the story behind the song? If not, I think you will be interest to find 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 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 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 could have a group of the 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  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 paper  in the dead youth’s uniform.

This wish was granted.  The haunting melody, we now know as Taps used at military funerals was born.

~Author Unknown

Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or 
weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who 
sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless 
the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the 
joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen.  2^nd Prayer for missions BCP Evening Prayer Rite II page 124