the lonely bugle call at the end of the day...
 |
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.
There are many stories about the origin of this familiar song. Some say that it was found in the pocket of a Confederate soldier...by his brother/father, a Union soldier. Other accounts attribute the song to Union Gen. Daniel Butterfield who had the song written to announce "extinguish lights". Regardless of which story you choose to believe, the song had its beginning during the Civil War.
As I researched this song, I came across some family information... Taps was first played on the battlefield at Harrison's Landing in Virginia...Confederate soldiers on one side, Union soldiers on the other. Harrison's Landing was owned by the Harrison family...which includes Benjamin Harrison and William Henry Harrison (relatives of my hubby). We never knew this...
Since the time of the Civil War, Taps has been played at military funerals. Last week, at my dear uncle's funeral, the minister shared the words as my uncle was laid to rest. It was so moving...
*The first two photos were taken in progression as we crossed a bridge from Hallendale, FL to the mainland. The final photo was taken a little ways down US 1...heading to Ft Lauderdale. All were taken from the inside of our car...through the windshield.
I am posting with Outdoor Wednesday...Visit Susan at A Southern Daydreamer to see all the other beautiful posts.
12 comments:
I always learn something fascinating from your posts! Yours is one of the few blogs that I save to read to my kids so they can learn too lol. :) Thank you!
That was a lovely post and the photos are gorgeous.
A lovely post. I find genealogy fascinating, you never know what you'll find when you start exploring your roots. What an honor to your uncle to have just glorious words spoken at his funeral and you chose the perfect photos to go with them. Sorry for your loss, may your loved one rest in peace.
Such a beautiful post, Jane! And your photos are breathtaking! Hope your week is going well! Have a beautiful day! Enjoy!
Sylvia
A lovely post, Jane, thanks for the review of the song's words...
What a great post...I knew some of the words, but it's nice to know them all and a little history too! Thanks!!
My father in law was laid to rest with Taps...having the words read must have been such a touching moment; so often we find inspiration in moments of sadness. I never knew there were words; never even thought to wonder about it.
Beautiful!
oh,...and tell that McDaddy of yours that if he likes gumbo, he'd die with my crawfish etoufee.
I'm renowned for my etoufee.....!! Looks like a trip to our neck of the woods should be in your future!!!
Some beautiful photos of familiar vistas! And, although a Navy vet, I did not know Taps included words. Fascinating post.
Oh...just to see the sun! What a lovely post...with equally lovely photos:)
Lovely post! Happy Thanksgiving!
Donna
Post a Comment