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                                            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
...

 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.
And also those presently
serving in the Armed Forces..

 
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