Jim Vines
CNHI
MINERAL WELLS —
The month of May brings Memorial Day celebrations throughout our country, and our community especially, doesn't shy away from recognizing those who served their country both past and present.
Part of the familiar sound of Memorial Day celebrations is the playing of "Taps." We have all heard the mournful sound of the lone bugler playing “Taps.” For the most who have heard this song, and especially veterans, we get goosebumps on our arms and a hollow feeling in our chests. Many don't know how this mournful song came about or the history behind it.
In 1862, during the Civil War, Capt. Robert Ellicomb of the Union Army was battened down on a strip of land near Harrison's Landing in Virginia. During the night Capt. Ellicomb could hear the moans of a lone soldier who lay wounded on the battleground. Deciding to risk his own life, Capt. Ellicomb, crawling on his stomach to avoid being shot, reached the stricken soldier and pulled him to his encampment. Upon reaching his Union camp, the Captain realized that it was a Confederate soldier, unfortunately, the soldier was dead.
Lighting a lantern to get a better look at the dead soldier, Capt. Ellicomb was shocked to see that it was his own son. The captain's son was studying music in the south and did not tell his father he joined the Confederate Army.
The next morning the grief stricken father asked his superiors permission to give his son a full military burial. The Captain asked if the Union Army band members would play for his son's funeral. His request was denied because of his son being a Confederate soldier. However, the Union Army band did provide one musician, and the captain chose a bugler. The captain asked the bugler to play some musical notes to a piece of paper found on his son's body that displayed some words. With his wish granted, the haunting melody we know as “Taps” was born.
Over the years many stories have been told about the origin of “Taps” as well as the words set to music. Help yourself to westpoint.org/taps, arlingtonnationalcemetary.com/tapsproj or jariavillanueva.com.
Coming up
Events that are scheduled this month include the following (contact the for specific details):
• American Legion Post 75
May 15 – JRB "cooking for the troops."
May 21 – annual golf tournament.
May 31 – Woodland Park Cemetery Memorial Day.
• VFW Post 2399
May 15 – Armed Forces Day recognition.
May 24-27 – county flags distributed.
May 28 – "Buddy Poppy" handouts.
May 29 – Cemetery Day at Elmwood, Woodland, Pollard.
Jim Vines is commander of AmVets Post 133 in Mineral Wells. Contact him at jim.helpingveterans@gmail.org.
