Monday, May 25, 2009

"Echoing Taps" -- A Memorial Day Tribute

I think "Taps" is one of the most beautiful, albeit heartrending, songs ever written, and I couldn't think of a more fitting song to use for this slideshow commemorating our veterans today.

Click to play this Smilebox slideshow:

I wish I could personally thank each and every one of them for the sacrifices they and their families made for our country. May God bless and keep them and let them know how much their service is appreciated.

I would also like to remember with gratitude our servicemen and women who risk their lives every day to keep America out of harm's way. May God protect them as they protect us, and bless them and their families for the sacrifices they make for us.

I hope you enjoy the slideshow. Be sure to turn your sound up so you can hear the hauntingly beautiful strains of Taps echoing in the background, performed by the United States Army Ceremonial Band.

"Taps"

Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, 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.

Sun has set, shadows come,
Time has fled, scouts must go to their beds,
Always true to the promise that they made.

While the light fades from sight,
And the stars gleaming rays softly send,
To thy hands we our souls, Lord, commend.

Taps was composed by Union Army Brigadier General Daniel Butterfield, an American Civil War general. Butterfield wrote the tune at Harrison's Landing, Virginia, in July 1862.

To read an eloquent, heartfelt Memorial Day tribute, please visit my friend Rachel at Lawn Tea. Rachel has such a beautiful way with words, and I know you will love all her stories.

4 comments:

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Bravo, Janie! Not a dry eye in this house! I do believe that this is one of the best Memorial Day presentations I've ever seen. So poignant.

I'll never forgetting meeting a man when I was doing an architectural survey years ago, and he was a dough boy during WWI. What a great man he was! He showed me all of his things, including his uniform. It just melts my heart when I think of what the military does for us!

Much love to you on this Memorial Day and always...

XO,

Sheila :-)

Marjorie (Molly) Smith said...

So Beautiful, I remember when my Son was in Basic Training at Fort Benning, we were there for Family Day. While on the base one evening at Sunset The beautiful Sound of Tapes rang out and every Soldier no matter where on base he was, he turned in a special direction and Saluted till the music stopped. Chuck said they did that every evening and if you happen to be outside you had to salute because they were lowering the Flag for the night. I can tell you that was a sound and sight I will never forget.

Tonja said...

The melody of 'Taps' is so hauntingly beautiful...but the words are just as beautiful. I knew the first verse, but not the rest...thank you for sharing that.

America...Home of the free
BECAUSE of the brave!

Sit A Spell said...

I have really enjoyed my first visit here tonight. You have a great blog.

My brother lived in Yazoo for awhile yrs ago. Thanks for the tour; I haven't been there since I was a kid. What kind of bird was that?