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Author
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Topic: TAPS, the origin
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Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
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posted March 29, 2003 06:13 PM
TAPS.........
VERY INTERESTING
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.
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
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, 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:
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.
And also those presently serving in the Armed Forces..
Please send this on after a short prayer.
Prayer wheel for our soldiers
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EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32361 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
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Lone Howl
Free Trial Platinum Member & part-time language police
Member # 29
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posted March 29, 2003 06:47 PM
Very nice.
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When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty.
Posts: 2083 | From: Texas | Registered: Jan 2003
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Crow Woman
Knows what it's all about
Member # 157
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posted March 30, 2003 03:40 AM
Leonard, I never knew there were words to it at all. I thank you for this moment of the story and words. I Thank You.
Crow Woman
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Sheri L Baity
Lord, Please give me peace, because if you give me strength, I might beat someone to death!
Posts: 720 | From: Covington | Registered: Mar 2003
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20t-n-t
Knows what it's all about
Member # 46
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posted March 30, 2003 11:00 AM
Leonard,
I had heard the story before and like you have had a deeper respect for the haunting melody since that day. Thanks for posting it for everyone who didn't know the story.
Slydog
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Teach a kid to hunt and fish and feed them for a lifetime......
Posts: 245 | From: Boise Idaho USA | Registered: Jan 2003
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Lil'dawg
Knows what it's all about
Member # 165
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posted April 04, 2003 10:50 PM
That is a very nice story, I have never heard it before. Following this you will see a link to another website for further reading on the origin of Taps. The other story is not as romantic or poetic but is probably more true. In the Air Force they never taught us about Taps, but during basic training it was a welcome respite for it signaled the end of the day. Here is the link if anyone wants to check it out. It's a long story otherwise I would have pasted it here.
http://www.west-point.org/taps/Taps.html
[ April 04, 2003, 11:09 PM: Message edited by: Lil'dawg ]
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GO DAWGS !!
Posts: 26 | From: Middleton, Idaho | Registered: Mar 2003
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Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
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posted April 05, 2003 03:47 AM
Interesting, LD. Well, what the heck, it's a good story, but admittedly, sounds a bit contrived. There are many legends that continue; crossing the Potomec standing in a boat, chopping a cherry tree, etc. A few events related in the Bible....a lot of things cannot be proved one way or another.
Good hunting. LB
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EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32361 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
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