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Wiki definition of Taps

Subject: T a p s
Date: Tue, 20 Aug 2013
02:26:32 -0400
From: Lee Stevens, To Tad Galin

I never knew... DID YOU?

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 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.
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.

Live each day
like it's your last,
"cause one day
you gonna be right."
- Ray Charles