By Janet Coulter, MSN, MS, RN, CCM, FCM

I never knew… did you? 

It’s a simple question but sometimes, it opens the door to a deeper understanding of something we thought we already knew. 

Most Americans recognize Taps. The first few notes are enough to quiet a crowd, still a room, and stir emotion almost instantly. It is a melody woven into moments of remembrance such as military funerals, memorial ceremonies, and tributes to those who have served. For many, it brings a lump to the throat and, often, tears to the eyes. 

But behind that haunting melody lies a story that adds a profound layer of meaning to every note. 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, Captain Elli decided to risk his life and bring the wounded soldier back for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, Captain Elli reached the injured soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment. When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead. Captain Elli was shocked when he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son. His son had been studying music in the South when the war broke out. Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army. Despite his son’s enemy status, the heartbroken father requested permission to give his son a full military burial. His request was partially granted. Captain Elli asked if Army band members could play a funeral dirge for his son. The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. Out of respect for the father, he was given one musician. Captain Elli 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. The melody we now know as “Taps” was born. 

The words are:  

Day is done. Gone the sun. From the lakes. From the hills. From the sky. 

 All is well. Safely rest. God is nigh. 

 Fading light. Dims the sight. And a star. Gems the sky. Gleaming bright. From afar.  

Drawing nigh. Falls the night. Thanks and praise. For our days.  

Neath the sun. Neath the stars. Neath the sky. As we go. This we know. God is nigh. 

These words, like the music itself, offer a sense of peace and an acknowledgment of service and a gentle farewell. Taps reminds us to pause and to honor those who have given everything. It also reminds us of something quieter, yet equally powerful, and that is behind every life is a story worth knowing and remembering. 

I feel chills while listening to “Taps,” but I have never seen all the words to the song until now. I didn't even know there was more than one verse. I also never knew the story behind the song. I have an even deeper respect for the song than I did before.  

This Memorial Day, remember those lost and harmed while serving our country. Also remember those who have served and returned; and for those presently serving in the Armed Forces.  

I never knew… did you?

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Bio: Janet Coulter, MSN, MS, RN, CCM, FCM is President of CMSA. She is a transplant case manager with a wide variety of experiences including educator, administrator, team leader, and Director of Case Management. Janet holds a Master of Science in Nursing from West Virginia University and a Master of Science in Adult Education from Marshall University. She has published many articles in CMSA Today and the Professional Case Management Journal and served as a reviewer for the Core Curriculum for Case Management Third Edition. She has served as President-Elect of CMSA, Chair of the CMSA Today Editorial Board, Chair of the Nominations Committee, and Vice-President of the CMSA Foundation board. Janet was the recipient of the CMSA National Award of Service Excellence and Southern Ohio Valley CMSA Case Management Leadership award and was recently inducted as a Case Management Fellow from CMSA.