The week, so far has been great, and I feel as if I’ve gotten a lot done here at home. My friend came and talked with cable TV for me and got some things straightened out that were a problem, mainly that I needed a new receiver box, which she managed to get them to send to me. It was to be shipped to arrive on Wednesday, so I stayed at home to wait for the Fed Ex people! (Now you know why I got some stuff done, I stayed at home!) My friend had told me to call her when it came in, so I did, and she came back and connected it and now everything works beautifully! The TV hadn’t been working properly for several weeks since we had a storm, so I was surprised that it wasn’t the dish on the house. Mama is happy!
This week, for the second time, I received this same email about taps being played at funerals, so I decided to share with all of you. It is an impressive story. Of course, I have no real clue as to whether it is true or not.
Why Taps is Played At Funerals
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. Here are the words:
Day is done
Fading light
Thanks and Praise
Gone the sun
Dims the sight
For our days
From the lakes and
A star
‘Neath the sun
From the sky,
Gleaming bright
‘Neath the sky
All is well
From afar as
We go
Safely rest
Drawing night
This we know
God is nigh
Falls the night
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.