Post Everlasting
O Lord, you have showed us that death is but the gateway to a more glorious life, and that
we must not fear its coming; and we know, also, that neither life nor death can separate us
from your love. Assure us yet again that our departed comrades are not lost to us, but
sharing new life with you in the kingdom of our Father, where we shall in your good
time be reunited.
We know them to be with you forever... Amen
Post Chaplain, Larry Johnson
reports the passing of following American Legion members
[ with a combined total of 222 years continous membership ]
In Memory
2007
John J. Crist 65 continous years
Thomas J. Crozier 18 continous years
David G. Eccard 2 continous years
Elbert W. Farris 14 continous years
Eugene C. Hamilton 18 continous years
Willard G. Rodgers III 20 continous years
W. P. Shelley 48 continous years
Howard S. Weber 16 continous years
In Memory | Taps Story | Taps Words
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2006
Normand J. LaFleur 8 continous years
Elwood Sims 13 continous years
In Memory xxx | Taps Story | Taps Words
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The Story of Taps
We in the United States have all heard the haunting song, "Taps." It's the song that gives us that 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 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 "Taps" used at military funerals was born.
In Memory | The Story of Taps
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Words To Taps
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 ..
In Memory | The Story of Taps | Words to Taps
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We all have felt the chills while listening to "Taps" but most of us have never seen all the words to the song until now. We, perhaps, didn't even know there was more than one verse. We also never knew the story behind the song and not knowing if anyone did either we thought it appropriate to pass it along.
REMEMBER THOSE LOST AND HARMED WHILE SERVING THEIR COUNTRY...
Also those presently serving in the Armed Forces..