MAY WE NEVER EVER FORGET
SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
http://www.cantcryhardenough.com
If any of you have
ever been to a military funeral in which taps were played; this
brings out a new meaning of it. Here is something EVERY AMERICAN
should know. Until I read this, I didn't know:
TAPS
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 OUR COUNTRY.
And also those presently serving in the Armed Forces... Please share this.
IT IS THE VETERAN ...
It is the VETERAN, not the preacher,
who has given us freedom of religion.
It is the VETERAN, not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the VETERAN, not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the VETERAN, not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to assemble.
It is the VETERAN, not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the VETERAN, not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote.
It is the VETERAN,
who salutes the Flag,
It is the VETERAN,
who serves under the Flag,
ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD,
AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.
I don't know if you saw this in the news but it really impressed
me. Funny, our US Senate/House took 2 days off as they couldn't
work because of the expected storm.
On the ABC evening news, it was reported tonight that, because of
the dangers from Hurricane Isabelle approaching Washington DC, the
military members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of the
Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment.
They respectfully declined the offer, "No way, Sir!"
Soaked to the skin, marching in the pelting rain of a tropical
storm, they said that guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment,
it was the highest honor that can be afforded to a serviceperson.
The tomb has been patrolled continuously, 24/7, since 1930.
We can be very proud of our young men and women in the service no
matter where they serve.
God Bless them.
(I dedicate this in honor of my father who passed away on June 9, 1980. And to all those in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and who devoted and dedicated their precious time on earth in service to our country. I'm proud to be a soldier's daughter, a soldier's sister, a sailor's wife, and a friend our military every where.)
