Fw: All the words to "Taps" - Very Special

----- Original Message -----
From: "robert hensley" <bob.hensley@sbcglobal.net>
To: "BOb W. McDowell" <abdmcfpi@localnet.com>
Sent: Monday, January 27, 2020 8:29 PM
Subject: Fw: All the words to "Taps" - Very Special

You may have seen this before, but I thought you might know the history behind it.
I never knew ... 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. Please send this on for our soldiers ...
please don't break it. I didn't! |