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Dedicated to the men and women of the Armed Forces.




Memorial Day is fast approaching, and many of us will spend at least part
of the day at a cemetery remembering those who died so we could be free.
Any memorial service will include the song "Taps". I had never seen all
the words to the song until now. I didn't even know there was more than
one verse, nor did I know the story behind the song. I hope you'll be
pleased to find out about its humble beginnings.

~~MISTY~~





Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil War,
when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men
near Harrison's Landing, Virginia. The Confederate Army
was on the other side of the narrow strip of land.


During the night, Captain Ellisombe heard the moans of a
soldier who was 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
the 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
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 denied 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, which we now know as "Taps" used at
military funerals, was born:

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,
Gleaning 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.



         



 

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