I don't know if this is true, but here is an email I received.
TAPS
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
AMERICAN should know. Until I read this, I didn't know, but I checked
it out and it's true: TAPS
We in the United States 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 knowin g 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 I ever
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. And also
those presently serving in the Armed Forces.. Please send this on after
a short prayer. Prayer wheel for our soldiers...please don't break it.
