Subject: Story of "taps"
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> The Story of "taps".
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> If any of you have ever
> been to a military funeral in which taps were played; this
> brings out a new meaning of it.
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> Here is something Every
> American should know. Until I read this, I didn't know,
> but I checked it out and it's true:
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> 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.
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> But, do you know the story
> behind the song? If not, I think you will be interested to
> find out about its humble beginnings.
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> 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.
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> 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.
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> When the Captain finally
> reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a
> Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead.
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> 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.
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> 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.
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> The Captain had asked if he
> could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge
> for his son at the funeral.
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> The request was turned down
> since the soldier was a Confederate.
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> But, out of respect for the
> father, they did say they could give him only one musician.
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> 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.
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> This wish was granted.
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> The haunting melody, we now
> know as "Taps" used at military funerals was born.
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> 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.
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> Fading light.
> Dims the sight.
> And a star.
> Gems the sky.
> Gleaming bright.
> From afar.
> Drawing nigh.
> Falls the night.
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> 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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> 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 a long.
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> I now have an even deeper
> respect for the song than I did before.
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> 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.
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> Please send this on after a
> short prayer.
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