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Thread: Why "TAPS" is played..

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    Why "TAPS" is played..

    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 North American should know.. Until I read this:

    We in the North America 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 for our soldiers.. Please don't break the cycle.

  2. #2
    ResFirma Mitescere Nescit
    Name: stew

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    Nice find...

    Semper Fi..God bless all who Serve and have Served

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    Taps always gets me. I've been to several firefighter funerals where it was played including one of our own and there is no way to hold back the tears.

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    Man this is expensive!!!
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    hoooah (low and respectful)...good post. I still hate that song and had no idea it had words.

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    one of my girlfriends enlisted right after highschool. i would have if it wasn't for my knee. after her basic training i went to where she was stationed and stayed for a week. everynight they played taps. at first i never knew why, since i had only heard the song at funerals. i had never heard this story til now. GOD BLESS EVERYONE WHO HAS SERVED OR IS STILL SERVING TO KEEP THIS NATION AND EVERYONE IN IT SAVE!!!!

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    yeah it always gets me

    oorah Marines!!! and thanks to everyone else how serves along side me...PAST, PRESENT, and FUTURE!!!!

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    Brave Rifles.

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    very intersting story

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    This is old as all get out, But I seen it and I thaught it deserved to come back.

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    Hooah!!

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    Great find. Im on my 7th deployment now. 3rd time in Iraq now, 2 to Afghanistan and 2 to the Philippines (the forgotten Operation Enduring Freedom). Lost my fair share of friends. Never knew the background of Taps but thanks to this find, I can pass it on to my Soldiers

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    Quote Originally Posted by mrparker97 View Post
    Great find. Im on my 7th deployment now. 3rd time in Iraq now, 2 to Afghanistan and 2 to the Philippines (the forgotten Operation Enduring Freedom). Lost my fair share of friends. Never knew the background of Taps but thanks to this find, I can pass it on to my Soldiers
    SEVEN????? Holly crap! Im feelin like a 90 year old man right now as I am finishing my third 12 month trip here in Afghanistan. Seven is frickin obscene..You are a brave man

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    Quote Originally Posted by SHURST View Post
    HEY GUYS, NEW TO THE SCENE AND NEED SOME HELP, I have a 2007 sc f150, i'm looking to buy new tires today and need some help with the sizing. With the factory 22's, i'd like to have nt 420's 305/40/22 from nitto, will this create any problems or should they fit flush? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
    Seriously????

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    ** Moved your questions to the correct section **

    --Snake
    Last edited by Snake; 06-11-2010 at 01:24 PM.

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    Deleted some posts to keep this thread on track.

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