I posted on 5/03/2010 the following, I described a magazine cover I had seen, probably a VFW magazine. I also posted some thing I had seen.
The cover is heartbreaking. It shows Army Spc. Nick Carbnell leaning against a headstone at the Dalls National Cemetary on Memorial Day 2009. It is the grave of his friend Spc. Jonathan Emard who was KIA (Killed in Action) in Tikrit, Iraq on June 4, 2008. I am definitely going to have to read the story. Being a Vietnam Veteran, I know how he feels. Tears are in my eyes as I type this message. (Still have tears as I repost this.) If you have never been to National Cemetary, I urge you to visit one. They are so peaceful and quiet.It also lends to deep thoughts. I make no bones about it, when I visited the New Jersey Vietnam Memorial, I read a poem that someone placed there and I broke down and cried. I am having a hard time finishing this, as I am crying now. But for the Grace of God, I could have been in one of those graves and my name on the wall. New part of my post July 5, 2011: I pray to God that before I leave this Earth I get to go to Washington, D.C. and see the Vietnam Memorial. I know I won't be able to hold back the tears.
The following was posted by PFMBOSS/Administrator 5/21/2010:
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 America 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 if the narrow strip of land.
During the night, Captain Elli heard the moans of a soldier who lay severly wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Cinfederate 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 th 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 schock. 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 buril, 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 muscian.
The Captain chose a buglar 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 ahve never seen aall 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.
