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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:
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 share this with your
friends after a short prayer.
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