Posted on 05/20/2002 11:51:12 PM PDT by acnielsen guy
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We have all heard the haunting song, "Taps." It's the song that gives us that lump in our throats and usually creates tears in our eyes. But, do you know the story behind the song? If not, I think you will be pleased to find out about it's 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, Captain Ellicombe 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 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.
Captain Ellicombe 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 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, and at the end of each day on US military bases was born.
Day is done.......Gone the sun........From the lakes.......From the hills.........From the skies. 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 he never seen all the words 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.
Mike Starnes
Posted elsewhere by freeper Null and Void
However, what I wanted to tell you was this...there is a very lovely website, which incorporates this story into it, and they play a lovely version of Taps, and have the words to Taps also...and there are other patriotic pics on this website...
I dont know how to do links, but if I give you the website address here, would you be so kind as to link it for all..thanks....
Here is the website....www.geocities.com/Heartland/Farm/4601/Taps.html
It's all explained just below the Preview pane of our responses.
Do you see where JohnRob has placed some simple HTML hints? bbl and thanks for this link. ;-)
Bill is back home with Palo, Happy and Lulu...
Mrs Lodwick is home with Mr. Lodwick...
My hubby is today, safely in the care of my relatives...
I am not in jail...
All the dregs and flakes from DD are safe and well...
In spite of all the horror or 9/11, we are still the greatest nation on earth, and we are lucky to be living here...This weekend is a time for reflection, on all those who died fighting for freedom, and also on those who thankfully survived during their fight for freedom....
We owe so much, to those who gave up their comforts of home, to go and fight, so that we might all be free...let us remember them...
And with that, Mr. Dizzy informs me that my time is up, and with a rubbing of my legs, he tells me its time to pay attention to him...
So I must go, and I will be with you all tomorrow...nightey nite....
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