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:
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.
Please send
this on after a short prayer.
Make this a
Prayer wheel for our soldiers ... please don't
break it.
I
didn't!
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