Date: Fri, 11 Mar 2011 12:00:59 -0600
Reply-To: mcneely4@COX.NET
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET>
Subject: Re: TAPS (Friday NVC)
In-Reply-To: <AANLkTi=beowo=ipM6uMxzQEhqA9Z2ppK2Q-j8vjkHJvu@mail.gmail.com>
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Now I do know the story, but it is different from what you provided:
http://www.snopes.com/music/songs/taps.asp
mcneely
---- Hector Zapata <hlzapata@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 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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>
> ________________________________
> Invite your mail contacts to join your friends list with Windows Live
> Spaces. It's easy! Try it!
--
David McNeely
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