If any of you have ever been to a military
funeral in which taps was played;
this brings out a new meaning of it.
Here is something Every American
should know.
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 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.
