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If any of you have
ever been to
a military funeral
in which
The Last Post was
played;
this brings out a new
meaning of it.
Here is something
everyone should
know.
Until I read this,
I didn't know,
but I checked it
out and it's true:
We have all heard
the haunting song,
'The Last Post.'
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 American
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 'The Last Post'
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
'The Last Post'
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.
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