The story behind Taps

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 moan of a soldier who lay mortally 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 towards 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. Suddenly, he caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his son. The boy had been studying music in the south when the war broke out. Without telling his father, he enlisted in the Confederate Army.

The following morning, heart broken, the father asked for permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial despite his enemy status. His request was granted. The captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for the son at the funeral. That request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate.

Out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him only one musician. The captain chose a bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of his dead son’s uniform.

This wish was granted. This music was the haunting melody we now know as “Taps” that is used at all military funerals.
(This article is from the American Legion Newsletter.)

How could one not admire a man like Michael Yon. He has sacrificed so much to send to us real time information and photographs from Iraq. His tribute to Memorial Day was touching and yet fact filled (the good and the bad) as always.

Memorial Day weekend is upon us. I am out here in Anbar Province with Task Force 2-7 Infantry. The area around Hit (pronounced “heat”) is so quiet previous units likely would not recognize the still. There was a small IED incident this morning, and the explosion was a direct hit, but the bomb was so small that mechanics had the vehicle back in shape by late afternoon. Calm truly has fallen on this city.

Dishes are appearing on rooftops and people are communicating more freely. During today’s prayers, one mosque announced that divorce is bad and that parents should take care of their children. One mosque cried about Christians and Jews, while yet another announced that Al-Jazeera is lying and people should not watch it.

While we remember those who have paid the ultimate price in their sacrifice for this country, may we also take a moment to thank those who have or are currently serving. May the Lord continue to watch over and protect not only our military members but all those like Michael Yon who are giving of themselves.

Anti war protestors at Memorial Day parades may be expected in today’s climate but when a Presidential candidate encourages this action…well judge for yourself.

Edwards backs off call for Memorial Day war protests

Democratic Presidential candidate John Edwards has been urging supporters to demonstrate against the war at Memorial Day parades. The Hill reported a week ago that Edward’s anti-war Web site, supporthetroopsendthewar.com, suggested that people make signs that say: “SUPPORT THE TROOPS — END THE WAR.” The paper quoted the Edwards site as saying:

Bring them to your local Memorial Day parade. Then take a digital photo of yourself and your family or friends holding up the poster and tell us about it. We’ll include it in a ‘Democracy Photo Album’ on our site.”

The whole premise of “Support the Troops — End the War” escapes me. These men and women understand their mission and recognize the peril of just walking away with the job unfinished.

Mr. Edwards took a bit of heat on this issue and decided to amend his first call to action but the change is so subtle I am certain it will go unnoticed.

But the Web site is a little different now. After much criticism of the call for Memorial Day protests, Edwards’ site now says Monday should be off limits for such demonstrations.

Buy a bunch of poster-board and markers. At a picnic or with family and friends, make signs that say “SUPPORT THE TROOPS - END THE WAR.” Bring them to your local Memorial Day parade. Many parades are held on Saturday or Sunday. If your parade is on Monday, however, we ask that you choose another action to honor the fallen. Then take a digital photo of yourself and your family or friends holding up the poster and tell us about it. We’ll include it in a “Democracy Photo Album” on our site.

Those who wish to protest have every right to do so. For a man who wishes to be the next Commander In Chief to encourage them on such a reflective holiday…well that’s another kettle of fish.

If you celebrate Memorial Day with a backyard barbeque, this is something you might like to serve your friends and family.

I don’t know what your initial impression of that photo was but as for me I’ll stick to a good old fashioned Cheesburger with all the fixings.

Have a nice Memorial Day weekend and please add a prayer for all those who have sacrificed so we may live in this “land of the free, and the home of the brave.”