The last post

Hi guys

I don't know the truth of this but I thought it was worth sharing.........................



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 now have an even deeper respect for the song than I did before.

Cody

I'm still trying to work out who God is. Other than that, what a great story indeed. Thanks for sharing!

Regards

Spiro

a reply to: Spiro

You and I both

I'm in a debate right now about it, many thanks for reading

Cody

originally posted by: cody599
a reply to: Spiro

You and I both

I'm in a debate right now about it, many thanks for reading

Cody

Ya know, the more I read those words [in my own kinda way] the more it has an effect on me.

Again, many thanks for sharing

Regards

Spiro

I use to play Taps at Military funerals....I know the words well.

Ambrose Bierce provides some of the most compelling narratives of the American Civil War. One his most recognized works is " An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge."

source: www.online-literature.com...

Aw, Cody, that song gives me cold chills. It was played at my Dad's funeral, and I can barely stand up to hearing it anymore.

A very powerful, hauntingly beautiful song.

J

a reply to: cody599

Hi mate, Thats a great story and i have never heard of that. Thanks for educating me

My apologies

The last post





Cody

a reply to: cody599

Nice story, but it's complete rubbish.

" The Last Post" originates from The British Army in the 1700's

en.wikipedia.org...

originally posted by: alldaylong
a reply to: cody599

Nice story, but it's complete rubbish.

" The Last Post" originates from The British Army in the 1700's

en.wikipedia.org...

I've buried friends to that

I hope you never have the chance to

Great AV

Make a difference

Cody

originally posted by: cody599

originally posted by: alldaylong
a reply to: cody599

Nice story, but it's complete rubbish.

" The Last Post" originates from The British Army in the 1700's

en.wikipedia.org...

I've buried friends to that

I hope you never have the chance to

Great AV

Make a difference

Cody

This always moves me. The Last Post being played every year at The Cenotaph in London on Remembrance Day

a reply to: cody599


Thanks for sharing that.....
It helps to know where something comes from and the story itself is heart-wrenching
--The man trying to help a hurt soldier who ended up dying, only to find out it was his son, who was actually fighting for the other side--


Yes--- the song means more to me now, knowing the history behind it
Will have to tell my husband, being a former military guy himself, he will greatly appreciate it

Thanks for sharing
S&F

originally posted by: snarky412
a reply to: cody599


Thanks for sharing that.....
It helps to know where something comes from and the story itself is heart-wrenching
--The man trying to help a hurt soldier who ended up dying, only to find out it was his son, who was actually fighting for the other side--


Yes--- the song means more to me now, knowing the history behind it
Will have to tell my husband, being a former military guy himself, he will greatly appreciate it

Thanks for sharing
S&F

The only problem is the story is NOT true.

See my earlier post.

a reply to: alldaylong

As stated in the OP

I don't know the truth of this but I thought it was worth sharing.........................

Please feel free to enlighten us

Cody

originally posted by: cody599
a reply to: alldaylong

As stated in the OP

I don't know the truth of this but I thought it was worth sharing.........................

Please feel free to enlighten us

Cody

I am more than happy to enlighten you, as you obviously didn't read my last link on this subject.

Maybe you will read this one:-

militaryhistorynow.com...

Do you honestly think that The British Military would use an American derived bugle call at British Military Funerals?
There would be more chance of Hell freezing over.

a reply to: alldaylong

My apologies for missing the link and my thanks for your patience.

I stand corrected

Thank you for your time and please forgive my ignorance on this subject.

I thought it was a pleasant story to share.

Cody

a reply to: cody599

hi Cody.
Sorry for not replying to your PM, i cant send messages to members just yet

a reply to: vArchon

No probs mate
I forgot about that rule, I must have been here too long LOL

Cody