Taps

Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe's unit was near Harrison's Landing, VA, facing the Confederate Army. During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moan of a soldier who lay mortally wounded on the field. As an act of mercy, CAPT Ellicombe went to the aid of the fallen soldier. When the good captain returned to his lines he discovered that the soldier, a confederate, had died; worse, he learned the soldier was his son. The captain requested a military funeral with full military honors. His commanding officer assented, but denied him a full military band and allowed him one musician.

CAPT Ellicombe's son had studied music before the war, and among his affects was a song he had been working on. The father selected a buglar and had him play the song his son had wrote. This song with the haunting melody is known today as "Taps." What many people aren't aware of, is the song has lyrics.

Day is done
Gone the sun
From the lakes
From the hills
From the sky
All is well
Safely rest
God is nigh.