Here is something Every American should know. Until I
read this, I didn't know, but I checked it out
and it's true:
We in the United 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.
be was




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.
nly one msician.



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 al nI now have an even deeper respect for the song than I did before.
.


Also
Remember Those Who Have Served And Returned; and
for those presently serving, in the Armed
Forces.