[Lenny]

It is so wonderfull to learn something new each day....someone passed this on to me...and I thank them..

Lenny



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Taps AN INTERESTING HISTORY

If any of you have ever been to a military funeral in which taps were played; this brings out a new meaning of it.

Here is something Every North American should know. Until I read this, I didn't know, but I checked it out and it's true:

We have all heard the haunting song, 'Taps.' It's the song that gives us that 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 l it 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 Confeder ate 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





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[MyBestKids2]

Very very touching, thanks Lenny

[kebsfroggy]

Although I was familiar with the song I had no knowledge of its origin.

As a child I was privileged to go to camp each summer. This song was sung at the end of each campfire. All campers would rise, cross our arms and hold the camper's hand on either side. We sang this song as we watched the embers from the campfire die.

Knowing its origin gives the song even more value

Thanks

[sabby]

((((((((((((((((((( Lenny ))))))))))))))))))))

I have been to many veteran's funerals and can never keep my eyes dry when Taps is played....it is a hauntingly beautiful and simple tune that resonates deeply inside of me. My mother taught me the words when I was a child....I have never forgotten them and never will.


sabby

[phantasmagoric]

I have come from a patriotic background, my brother served in Iraq, my father and grandfather went to Korea, all in the US Army, one uncle is a Marine, another was in the Air Force, and it goes back even further (and will hopefully continue on through me), so I've been to plenty of ceremonies where I've heard the song. But, until recently when my father got this in an e-mail, I never knew their were words.
Though it was already a very moving tune, knowing this adds even more depth and emotion to it.

[TaintedGoth1]

aww...that brought tears to my eyes...

[BalishBun]

very positive. thanks.