Senseless violence got closer to home last week with the horrific, ambush-style assassinations of two police officers in our nearby metro area of Des Moines. This type of violence solves nothing and makes absolutely no sense. Most of you probably got a lump in your throat and/or tears in your eyes as you saw the news reports on your computer, smart phone, television, social media, or newspaper. We are all left with the biggest question of why?
A local veteran shared the following, which is very appropriate as Veterans Day approaches tomorrow on Nov. 11. Some say it’s not how the song came to be, but it’s a little story to at least bring a lump in your throat and a proper appreciation of our veterans. On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in the First World War, then known as “the Great War.” Commemorated as Armistice Day beginning the following year, Nov. 11 became a legal federal holiday in the United States in 1938 and is now Veterans Day, a holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars.
You’ll Get an Even Bigger Lump in Your Throat
--Author Unknown
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 American should know. Until I read this, I didn’t know, but 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 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 for a request, which 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 once 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 “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 sky. As we go. This we know. God is nigh.
I, too, have felt the chills while listening to “Taps,” 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 those presently serving in the Armed Forces.
~
INKling of the Week:
“Honoring the sacrifices many have made for our country in the name of freedom and democracy is the very foundation of Veterans Day. - Charles B. Rangel
Margaret Vander Weerdt can be reached by phone at 641-594-3200, by email at [email protected], by fax at 641-594-3243, by mail at PO Box 243, Sully, or if you see me out and about and have some news or inklings for this column, don’t hesitate to bend my ear.
