Saturday, May 29, 2010

Memorial Day 2010

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 brief slideshow commemorating our veterans this Memorial Day weekend.

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, as I write this, are risking 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.

And for a very eloquent, inspiring, and heartfelt tribute to go along with Taps, be sure and visit my friend Rachel at Lawn Tea. Your weekend will be better for it.

"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.

7 comments:

Marjorie (Molly) Smith said...

I never hear Taps play that I don't flash back to the day we spent with our Son at Fort Benning GA. Just as the sun was setting we heard Taps start to play over the loud speakers all over the Base and every Soldier no matter where he was or what he was doing stopped and turned toward the flag and saluted while he stood at attending until the flags where lowered and respectfully folded for the night and Taps stopped playing. It was such a quite, almost surreal view. All you could hear was the Bugle playing, not even a bird was chirping.
It was truly a beautiful scene and a beautiful sound.
Molly

RachelD said...

Just lovely, Janie, as always.

I've linked this post on mine today, as your pictures and music always add so much to the celebration of the day.

This music always elicits first chills, then tears.

LaVerne said...

Thank you for this beautiful post. I have no words to equal it, but thank you for reminding me...I was too busy with silly decisions about which cole slaw recipe to use and how much fried chicken I should get when you and Rachel brought the true holidy back to my heart. Thank you.

Carolyn said...

Janie,
Thanks for remembering and sharing this beautiful reminder.

Carolyn

Deb said...

great tribute....

Tonja said...

It is one of those songs that resonates with your soul. I remember when I first found the words, They are so beautiful. Aperfect combination of melody and words make a song that can bring us all to tears.

Sue said...

Beautiful simply beautiful Janie, thank you for sharing. I alway am moved by listening to Taps.
Hope you had a great Memorial Day.
Sue