THE LAST POST 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 didnt know,But I checked it out and its true: We have all heard the haunting song, The Last Post. Its 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. It all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrisons Landing in Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land. During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moan of a soldier who lay mortally 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. Suddenly, he 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, he had 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 partially granted. The captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for the son at the funeral. That request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. 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 his dead sons uniform. This wish was granted. The haunting melody,we now know as The Last Post used at all 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 didnt even know there was more than one verse .. I also never knew the story behind the song and I didnt know if You had either so I thought Id 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 those presently serving in the Armed Forces. RBL2012 - The Last Post - 720p HD https://youtube/watch?v=99tCg596QSc
Posted on: Sun, 16 Nov 2014 20:44:16 +0000
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