Author Topic: Taps  (Read 585 times)

Offline cudax34me

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Taps
« on: May 19, 2010 - 08:03:03 PM »
My sister forwarded this to me.I thought you folks might find it interesting.
Check out the link on the bottom after you read this.I found it on youtube after posting this.


TAPS
 Near the bottom, as you scroll down, are the words.  The first stanza frequently comes to mind at sundown...

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


 
 
 
« Last Edit: May 19, 2010 - 08:23:18 PM by cudax34me »




Offline lemming303

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Re: Taps
« Reply #1 on: May 19, 2010 - 09:30:45 PM »
They told us this story in boot camp. It's pretty cool to know the story behind it. On base they play it every night at 10:00 pm
Kevin

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Offline whitesatinmopar

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Re: Taps
« Reply #2 on: May 20, 2010 - 08:29:01 AM »
Thank you, had seen/read the verses before but don't remember hearing this story before.  :wavingflag:  :canada: :nzflag:  :aussie:  :england:  :netherlands:
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Offline MOPAR FANATIC

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Re: Taps
« Reply #3 on: May 20, 2010 - 01:59:34 PM »
wow,i had no idea,chalk one up for c.c.com again for another lesson in life.actually very sad story behind taps and had  :clueless:

thanks for posting,now i know the story behind it.  :thumbsup:
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Offline Scatterbrain

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Re: Taps
« Reply #4 on: May 20, 2010 - 02:59:40 PM »
My Grandfather past away last month 1 day shy of his 91st birthday.  I am very proud to be his grandson and 91 years of life is a long time and I was very close to him.  He got sick pretty quickly and died within 3 months of being diagnosed with degenerative dementia.  He served in World War II and was a TECH-5 with the 9th Armor division.  He participated in the Battle of the Bulge, Operation Lumberjack and Operation Fortitude campaigns.  We opted for a military funeral as he was very proud of his service.  At 90 years old you are pretty much prepared that he has more years behind him than in front, so I never really "lost it"...ntil the 21 gun salute and Taps...  very moving.  Thank you for this post.

As a side note, during my research (as the oldest Grandson I took it upon myself to take care of the funeral arrangements) I found that there is a shortage of buglers as it is a dying art form.  Recordings are mostly used nowadays.
« Last Edit: May 20, 2010 - 03:07:17 PM by Scatterbrain »