A
little
known background on
If you have ever been to a military funeral in which taps was played; this brings out a new meaning of it.
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 maybe tears in our eyes.
But, few know the story behind the song.
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.G is nigh
TAPS.....
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 lakesFrom 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.G is nigh
hav
God is
We have all felt the chills while listening to 'Taps' but have
never seen all the words to the song until now. Few know
the story behind the song so it's being passed it along.
Remember Those Lost and Harmed While Serving Their Country, and pass this on to your friends and family!
Check out CJ's great Memorial Day Linky!
Check out CJ's great Memorial Day Linky!
