Date: Fri, 11 Mar 2011 13:28:48 -0400
Reply-To: Hector Zapata <hlzapata@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Hector Zapata <hlzapata@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: TAPS (Friday NVC)
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I never knew ... the entire story, DID YOU?
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.
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