Ruby and Tango

Ruby and Tango
Me 'n' Ruby and of course Tango

Sunday 5 August 2012

The last Post

Now this may or may not be true, so take it as you wish. it was sent to me by a good friend.


 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.
Please send this on after a short prayer.
Make this a Prayer wheel for our soldiers...please don't break it .  
  I didn't!


Thank you for visiting and please come back, Arlene, Tango and Ruby

8 comments:

  1. The song played at military funerals here is Taps. The story of the origin is the same. The words are different though.

    Fading light dims the sight,
    And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright.
    From afar drawing nigh -- Falls the night.

    Day is done, gone the sun,
    From the lake, from the hills, from the sky;
    All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.

    Then good night, peaceful night,
    Till the light of the dawn shineth bright;
    God is near, do not fear -- Friend, good night.

    I think they must be one and the same.

    xx

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  2. Seems like the meaning and the sentiment both come from the heart Beth.

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  3. wow! that was moving, arlene! really sent some chills up my arms ... i didnt know this story. thanks for sharing it! my son is a marine, and thank God he is home safe after three tours in iraq and afghanistan, and will be getting out in april to begin his life as a civilian.
    k☼

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    1. Bet you can't wait for April to come round Kirsten, Wishing him the best of luck I bet he deserves it.

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  4. Very moving story Arlene and a lovely song. So well deserved , I have never heard this story before. So thank you for sharing .
    Hugs to you Tango and Ruby xx

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    1. Yes it is Sheila and I agree with you, they deserve every word, and it was new to me too. Hugs XX

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  5. The story brought a tight spot in my heart. It does make the words so much more meaningful. I too never knew all the words. Thank you for sharing. Hugs Carrie

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    1. You''re very welcome Carrie, I must admit to not knowing the words either.

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