I felt this was worthwhile passing on, an interesting story Why TAPS is played. If any of you have ever been to a military funeral inwhich Taps was played; this brings out a new meaning to it. Here is something Every American should know...but mostdont, until they read this: We in the United States have all heard the hauntingsong, Taps. Its the song that gives us that lump in our throats andusually tears in our eyes. But, do you know the story behind the song? If not, Ithink 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 nearHarrisons Landing in Virginia . The Confederate Army was on the otherside of the narrow strip of land. During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of asoldier who lay severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was aUnion or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life andbring the stricken man back for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captainreached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward hisencampment. When the Captain finally reached his own lines, hediscovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier wasdead. The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breathand went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of thesoldier. It was his own son. The boy had been studying music in theSouth when the war broke out. Without telling his father, the boyenlisted in the Confederate Army. The following morning, heartbroken, the father askedpermission 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 Armyband members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral. Therequest was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. But, out ofrespect for the father, they did say they could give him only onemusician. The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to playa series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocketof the dead youths uniform. This wish was granted. The haunting melody, we now know as Taps used atmilitary 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 chills while listening to Taps but Ihave never seen all the words to the song until now. I didnt even knowthere was more than one verse. I also never knew the story behind thesong and I didnt know if you had either, so I thought Id pass italong. I now have an even deeper respect for the song than Idid before. Remember those lost and harmed while serving theircountry and also those presently serving in the Armed Forces. Pleasesend this on after a short prayer for our soldiers..
Posted on: Mon, 06 Oct 2014 09:31:21 +0000
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