Thank you, point taken and very interesting.

Hector

On Fri, Mar 11, 2011 at 2:00 PM,  <mcneely4@cox.net> wrote:
> Now I do know the story, but it is different from what you provided:
>
> http://www.snopes.com/music/songs/taps.asp
>
> mcneely
>
> ---- Hector Zapata <hlzapata@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>> I never knew ... the entire story, 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. Until I read this, I
>> didn't know, but I checked it out and it's true:
>> 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.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ________________________________
>> Invite your mail contacts to join your friends list with Windows Live
>> Spaces. It's easy! Try it!
>
> --
> David McNeely
>