Happy 4th of July!!!! What symbolism this day bears.
We are free as a Country from the terrorism of other
countries and our beloved service men and women
are the reason for this freedom. We owe them a
debt beyond anything we can give them.
Today also brings up for me the many ways I am not
free. I am not free from the negative news that is spewed
across the airways, I am not free from the judgement of
my peers who differ in opinions whether pertaining to
religion or politics or health policies. But…..I am free
to say what I do believe and I am also free to make
up my own mind of the things I choose to believe.
The hardest freedom to attain is from the habits of the
mind. My mind is most critical of myself and my habits.
Other people habits do not really affect me directly but
the way I look at myself in mind, body and spirit does
directly affect me. I am more critical of myself than any
other person I know and I find it more difficult to forgive
myself for transgressions that seem to come upon me
without me even being aware of them.
Having ice cream is not a terrible thing, in fact, it is
quite soothing especially at this time of the year. Yet,
one eskimo pie leads to another and I can’t seem to say
no to myself after just one. I know better than to eat
more than one but it’s like one calls for more. I do
not even want ice cream other than when it is hot
outside and I would like the freedom to say no to
myself when my urges are excessive. We have all
had occasions when urges take us over so we know
the ramifications of giving into them. But….oh, that
Eskimo pie is so refreshing.
I know this is a small thing in the scheme of things and
I am grateful for the opportunities (after all, I do the
grocery shopping), I guess its OK to be excessive
occasionally. How many people would like to have
those opportunities.
I have just witnessed the most beautiful display of
fireworks. Remember I live on a lake which is
another thing I am grateful for. There must have been
all the boats from around the lake out there with their
silhouettes and their night lights on, it was a sight to behold.
Usually after sunset, the boats retire to their perspective
mooring sites.There were five houses who shot them off,
each one trying to top off the last one. They took turns
so it lasted quite a while.
I was able to watch from inside my house through my bow
window and I could see them all. I have a sensitivity to
smoke of any kind so I was able to be safe inside and
still enjoy the display. Another thing to be grateful for.
We as a country, have so much to be grateful for. We
take our freedoms for granted without even taking the time
to thank our fellow Americans for giving us those rights.
We have many ancestors to also thank for Our Land
of the Free. Let us take a moment to send up a silent
prayer for all the freedoms we do have.
I received this info and this is an appropriate day to
share this with you.
Subject: The Last Post
We have heard the music a thousand times. Now we know
the history & the words. WOW!!!!!!
If any of you have ever been to a military funeral in which The
Last Post was played; this brings out a new meaning of it.
Here is something everyone should know. Until I read this,
I didn’t know, but I checked it out and it’s true:
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.
Love and Light,
Mary Grace
http://www.TheWoundedChalice.com
http://www.TheWoundedChalice.com/blog
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Wales, MA 01081, USA
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