Taps
If any of you have ever been to a military
funeral in which taps were played; this brings out a new meaning of it.
Here is something Every American should
know. Until I read this, I didn't know, but I checked it out and it's
true:
We in the United States have all heard the
haunting song, 'Taps'. It's the song that gives us that lump in
our throats
and usually tears in our eyes.
But, do you know the story behind the song?
If not, I think you will be interested to find out about its humble
beginnings.
Reportedly , it all began in 1862 during the
Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe 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 Ellicombe 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 he could have a
group of 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 did
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 of paper in
the pocket of the dead youth's uniform.
This wish was granted.
The haunting melody, we now know as
'Taps'
used at military funerals 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
I too have felt the 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 and I didn't know if you had either so I thought I'd
pass it
along.
I now have an even deeper respect for the
song than I did before.
Remember Those Lost and Harmed While Serving
Their Country.
Also Remember Those Who Have Served And
Returned; and for those presently serving in the Armed Forces.
Taps
Member #: 61573
Registered: 9/2/2008
Posted:
7392
Name:
jerry
Company:
Unemployed
Occupation:
none
Location:
USA
