> 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.
>
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 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.
> 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 after a short prayer.
>