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 a quote from Theodore Roosevelt : “A man who is good enough to shed blood for his country is good enough to be given a square deal afterwards.”

I first heard Tap’s when I was at YMCA Camp Potawotami from  1976-1977 which is located  South Milford near Fort Wayne Indiana USA, A former Camp Councillor.

Got this from my Uncle. I was aware that “Taps” originated during the Civil War, but is this a true story, does anyone know? 

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

 

Our Heroes who have lost their lives this year 2010 in Afghanistan,  RIP to all those brave soldiers who have fallen in Afghanistan and around the World.

Full military British and American funerals for fallen soldiers

The funeral of the first British woman to die in active service in Afghanistan has been held at the church where she was married two years ago.

Funeral for killed woman soldier

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cumbria/7492732.stm

A Tribute To Fallen Soldiers – Calling All Angels   Dave Rabbit honors the memories of all military men and women around the world who have paid the ultimate price for freedom … funnyordie.com -   Fallen Soldiers Tribute — I Am Still Here   Uploaded by devildoggirl07 fallen soldiers tribute youtube.com -

http://www.strimoo.com/video/10967233/Tribute-To-The-Wounded-Soldiers-Metacafe.html

1. BARNSLEY CHRONICLE VIDEO REPORT -Full …   HUNDREDS lined the streets of Cudworth on Tuesday for the funeralof Capt Martin Driver, who died after being critically injured … youtube.com - Related videos

2. Luton soldier honoured by military funeral   A Luton soldier, killed on an exercise in Germany, was today, Friday, April 25, honoured by his comrades in a grand military … youtube.com - Related videos

3. Funeral for killed woman soldier   The funeral of the first British woman to die in active service in Afghanistan has been held at the church where she was married … news.bbc.co.uk - Related videos

4. BRITISH MILITARY FUNERAL ( misleading title …   Various shots of dignitaries visiting military hospital – no funeral! britishpathe.com - Related videos

5. BBC LOOK EAST BROADCAST- Funeral Of L/Cpl …   In freezing temperatures and under gunmetal skies, another town hushed to a solemn standstill today to bury one of its sons killed in … youtube.com - Related videos

I vow to thee

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMP9GQapuOc&feature=related

Our hero, let’s pay tribute to the British and American soldier killed in Afghanistan

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1029755/Funeral-hero-Hundreds-pay-tribute-100th-British-soldier-killed-Afghanistan.html#ixzz15x2Uv1Wp

Military Funeral

 

6 min - 19 Oct 2006 - Uploaded by joftinac
Flag Ceremony, Taps, and Flag Presentation. Funeral for grandfather, Taps played by and flag received by grandson. Final flag …
youtube.com -

Tags:

1. British Remember remembrance Armed Forces Iraq Afghanistan War Army Navy Marines RAF UK Great Britain

God Bless America ”the most emotionally moving event I may have ever witnessed and may ever witness in my life.”

Who have made the supreme sacrifice.

God Bless America and for those who gave their lives for Freedom, around the World with respects. May they Rest In Peace.

BATTLE HYMN OF THE US REPUBLIC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cMxJBenigY&NR=1

Granted our fallen, from all conflicts around the World in serve for others.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcncgf_sGzQ&NR=1

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.

Who have made the supreme sacrifice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7bMAlMAdmY

If any of you have ever been to a military funeral in which taps was played; this brings out a new meaning of it.

If any of you have ever been to a military funeral in which taps was played; this brings out a new meaning of it. 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. Make this a Prayer wheel for our soldiers. please don’t break it. I didn’t!

February 16, 2002 – Sergeant Andrew Russell, 33, was killed when the vehicle in which he was travelling struck a landmine in southern Afghanistan.

Australians killed in Afghanistan – ABC News (Australian …

http://www.abc.net.au/news/events/afghanistan/casualties.htm

http://www.gruntsview.org/memorial.html

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, HE LIVED ALL ALONE, IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE, MADE OF PLASTER AND STONE. I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY, WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE, AND TO SEE JUST WHO, IN THIS HOME, DID LIVE. I LOOKED ALL ABOUT, A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE, NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS, NOT EVEN A TREE. NO STOCKING BY MANTLE, JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND, ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES, OF FAR DISTANT LANDS. WITH MEDALS AND BADGES, AWARDS OF ALL KINDS, A SOBER THOUGHT, CAME THROUGH MY MIND. FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT, IT WAS DARK AND DREARY, I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER, ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY. THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING, SILENT, ALONE, CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR, IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME. THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE, THE ROOM IN  DISORDER, NOT HOW I PICTURED, A TRUE BRITISH SOLDIER. WAS THIS THE HERO, OF WHOM I’D JUST READ? CURLED UP ON A PONCHO, THE FLOOR FOR A BED? I REALISED THE FAMILIES, THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT, OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS, WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT. SOON ROUND THE WORLD, THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY, AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE, A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY. THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM, EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR, BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS, LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE. I COULDN’T HELP WONDER, HOW MANY LAY ALONE, ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE, IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME. THE VERY THOUGHT BROUGHT, A TEAR TO MY EYE, I DROPPED TO MY KNEES, AND STARTED TO CRY. THE SOLDIER AWAKENED, AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE, “SANTA DON’T CRY, THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE; I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM, I DON’T ASK FOR MORE, MY LIFE IS MY GOD, MY COUNTRY, MY CORPS..” THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER, AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP, I COULDN’T CONTROL IT, I CONTINUED TO WEEP. I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS, SO SILENT AND STILL, AND WE BOTH SHIVERED, FROM THE COLD NIGHT’S CHILL. I DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE, ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT, THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOUR, SO WILLING TO FIGHT. THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER, WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE, WHISPERED, “CARRY ON SANTA, IT’S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE.” ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH, AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT. “MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND, A ND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT.” This poem was written by a Peacekeeping soldier stationed overseas. The following is his request. I think it is reasonable PLEASE. Would you do me the kind favour of sending this to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to all of the service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities. Let’s try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.  Please, do your small part to plant this small seed.

http://www.snopes.com/holidays/christmas/soldier.asp

http://footprintsinthesandsofiraq.blogspot.com/2007_12_01_archive.html

Mull Of Kintyre ~ Song “Mull Of Kintyre”

Smiles in the sunshire and tears in the rain still take me back where my memories remain

A heavenly choir – what a song – my desire – simply great – I have always loved this Mull of Kintyre this great song by Sir Paul Mccartney and wing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JPHNuAAZDE&feature=related

 

Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2008

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJ170Qm4X4w&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2Y6xFOPPW0

http://www.dobhran.com/greetings/GRinspire319.htm

This is a privately owned and maintained, not-for-profit, website which is supported privately. As such, it has no affiliation whatsoever with the Arm Forces, UK or United States Government. Accordingly, the content here is solely the responsibility of Laurence Goff.

Newark, Nottinghamshire, England

laurencegoff@googlemail.com

www.facebook.com/cllrlaurencegoffnewark

www.flickr.com/photos/friendsofnewarkcemetery

LAURENCE GOFF

CHAIRMAN FRIENDS OF NEWARK CEMETERY UK (FoNC)