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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
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 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 send this on after a short prayer.
Make this a Prayer wheel for our soldiers...please don't break it .
I didn't!
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