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Taps; The words and story
Topic Started: Jun 19 2007, 10:05 PM (239 Views)
Condor
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Ruler of the Mountain
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Now that you know the words, you can say them to yourselves as taps is
played, hopefully not for ones you love, but for ones that loved you enough
to die for you

Jerry


: Taps GREAT STORY

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:

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 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 o nly 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.


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Hick
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Snopes Check

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Condor
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Ruler of the Mountain
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I like mine better!
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Duke
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Duke
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When I hear "Taps" it most definately stirs present serious deep emotions and memories in me.

Thanks for posting the topic, but when it comes to "Taps" I prefer like with other things the truth.

The truth of the origin of "Taps" in no way takes away from beauty, honor, and sorrow of "Taps".

God bless our Troops past and present, I honor them,

Duke
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