A bit of History.

[Vince]

Nice to have the history!


If any of you have ever been to a military funeral or Anzac Parade and ceremony 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!

[Anya]

It is a moving story, Vince but there are dozens of stories, relating to dozens of wars and periods of history, also dozens of different versions of the words.

[Rowan]

It is a moving story, I have heard it before and it is particularly significant to me just now since my stepson is serving in Afghanistan. Needless to say I didn't want him to join the army, I didn't want him to go fighting in pointless wars but it is his choice. At the moment we think no news is good news as we rarely hear from him. We are counting the days until his tour finishes as does his lovely wee girlfriend, who comes to see us regularly.

[dejavou]

Thanks for that post Vince

[sweetpea]

Thank you for that, Vince. I hadn't known the words.

Hope it won't be too long before your step son comes home, Rowan.