The Origin Of Taps (played at military funerals)

[Frank Lamb]

> > Subject: Taps

> >

> > 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 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.

[blaze100]

Thank you Frank, I didn't know that. Beautiful story. Barb

[stand4hope]

Thank you, Frank. That was played at my dad's funeral and it was one of the few times I ever saw Don with tears. Dad was a World War II vet and my brother was given the flag. Dad also received the 21-gun salute.

It was also played at Don's funeral - very emotional for all of us. He was a Vietnam vet, got the 21-gun salute, also. Don wasn't a white American, he was a red, white and blue American.

Both were members of the American Legion, so it was all done by them.

Thanks for posting this!

Love,

Peggy

[RandyW]

Thanks Frank I used to be a Boy Sciout troop Bugler and I am sure everyone knows that is also played at the end of Day In the military and in Boy scouts or at least it was played at the end of day. never h3eard that story thanks again.