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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. 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 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
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, 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: NOTE: These lyrics were later added and
not part of the original tune! Mark
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.
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