Leicaflex Loc: Cymru

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.

SnappyHappy Loc: Chapin, SC “The Capitol of Lake Murray”

Thanks for sharing this story Leicaflex :thumbup:

Bridges Loc: Memphis, Charleston SC, now Nazareth PA

Good to know. Thanks!

PRETENDER Loc: Micanopy,Florida

Well sir you put a lump in my throat to go with my morning UHH coffee. Thank you for sharing.

Wrangler Loc: North Texas

I would rather go in my son's place than to send him to combat. To know that he may not return would be unbearable. Just think how God felt when he sent his son knowing that he would be tortured and killed. I can't imagine the feeling.

CA_CanonUser Loc: Friendswood, TX

You have the words to the song correct, but the origin story about the union officer finding his dead son is false.

The Truth:

According a researcher at West Point, there is no historical evidence that anyone named Robert Ellicombe even existed in the Union army. Master Sergeant Jari Villanueva is a part of the United States Air Force Band and is not only a historian about the tune “Taps,” but is working on an exhibit for Arlington National Cemetery about bugle calls. Both he and Kathryn Shenkle, Historian for Arlington National Cemetery, agree that “Taps” came from Brig. General Daniel Butterfield at Harrison’s Landing in Virginia in 1862. Sgt. Villanueva has found correspondence from both General Butterfield and a bugler which confirm the origins, although there are some minor discrepancies in their letters.

taffthetooth Loc: U.K

Thanks for that, I just read the post to my wife who sang the first verse! As they say, soldiers have to do their jobs when politicians fail to do theirs.

Wrangler Loc: North Texas

The accuracy of the story is not the point to me. It is plausible and that is enough to make me think.

Robin19966

Wrangler, you hit it right on the head!!! you are so right.

Muddyvalley Loc: McMinnville, Oregon

PRETENDER Loc: Micanopy,Florida

Amen wrangler :thumbup: :thumbup:

CA_CanonUser Loc: Friendswood, TX

If plausible is your guide, you must be delighted with our network "news" folks, most of our politicians (especially those inside the Washington beltway), etc. They tell a lot of plausible stories which are unfortunately not quite true. Remember, you can keep your present insurance when Obummercare takes effect -- sounds plausible doesn't it?
Regarding our military folks, there are thousands of great true stories of their valor, honor, courage, sacrifice etc. We don't need to create false plausible tales to tell their stories.

Wrangler Loc: North Texas

I never said plausible was my guide. As far as our current politicians are concerned, Ray Charles could see through their cock and bull routines. I am thoroughly and personally aware of the sacrifice and valor of every service man or woman. I am also aware of the courage and support of those who love and pray for them every day.
One expert says the song was conceived one way. Another says it was conceived another way. Do we really want to sling a little mud over this matter?

StrangerHart Loc: Whitetop, VA

Many thanks.

Heard this just a few weeks ago...again. Timeless and appropriate always.