Story behind TAPS

A friend sent this to me today and I wanted to pass it along.

[LEFT][COLOR=#666666][FONT=inherit]If any of you have ever been to a military funeral in which taps was played; this brings out a new meaning of it.

Here is something Every American should know. [FONT=inherit]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 the 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 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: [/FONT][/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=#666666][FONT=inherit][FONT=inherit] Day is done.

Gone the sun.

From the lakes

From the hills.

From the sky.

All is well.

Safely rest.

God is nigh. [/FONT]

[FONT=inherit] Fading light.

Dims the sight.

And a star.

Gems the sky.

Gleaming bright.

From afar.

Drawing nigh.

Falls the night. [/FONT]

[FONT=inherit] 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.

Also Remember Those Who Have Served And Returned; and for those presently serving in the Armed Forces.

Please send this on for our soldiers ... please don't break it.

I didn't!

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Nice story......But, The 24 notes known as Taps was composed by Gen. Daniel Butterfield in the summer of 1862.......Not quite romantic as the Farther and son story..

That said ..Taps is the saddest bugle call i've ever heard...

[QUOTE=rhino 2;727944]Nice story......But, The 24 notes known as Taps was composed by Gen. Daniel Butterfield in the summer of 1862.......Not quite romantic as the Farther and son story..

That said ..Taps is the saddest bugle call i've ever heard...[/QUOTE]

I totally agree with you about Taps being the saddest bugle call. Every time I visit my dad's grave I hear it again just like the day he was buried nearly 14 years ago.

[QUOTE=GrandpaDave;727974]I totally agree with you about Taps being the saddest bugle call. Every time I visit my dad's grave I hear it again just like the day he was buried nearly 14 years ago.[/QUOTE]

Ditto with my Fathers grave ... I was never very emotional, no tears in public ... that kind of thing. Since hearing taps played at dad's funeral by a young Marine (dad was a sailor too), I get teary eyed over some of the darnedest things .. guess once the dam is broken ...... :Shrug:

[QUOTE=rhino 2;727944]Nice story......But, The 24 notes known as Taps was composed by Gen. Daniel Butterfield in the summer of 1862.......Not quite romantic as the Farther and son story..

That said ..Taps is the saddest bugle call i've ever heard...[/QUOTE]

The true story may not tug at the heartstrings as much as the myth. However, it certainly can be documented on Google and is shown to be the correct factual story of how Taps came into being.