From: Maria Elizabeth Embry
cgmedal4-bataanpow.tripod.compinay_492001@yahoo.com
To: Friends
Guided by: FAIR USE
I copied the following as published in the Philippine News
& sourced by Ms. Ludy Ongkeko, columnist to:
Commodore Ramon Alcaraz died 6/25/2009
www.philippinenews.com/article.php?id=4465 Memorial Day brings focus on ‘Taps’
Published: May 28, 2009 | Author: Ludy Ongkeko
Note: This is a sequel on the remembrances that focus on Memorial Day, commemorated on the last Monday of May. This space respectfully refers to the same source of the column that preceded this; the past column’s information entitled: “Flag-draped coffins,” came from Commodore Ramon A. Alcaraz, (AFP, ret.). In great hopes that the information can be disseminated to everyone particularly the youth, the background on “Taps” starts: (the author of the reproduced piece is unknown).
“If any of you have ever been to a military funeral in which taps were played; this brings out a new meaning to it. Here is something every North American should know. Until I read this, we in North America have all heard the haunting music “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 music? If not, I think you will be interested to find out abut 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.
“The words are:
Day is done…Gone the sun…
From the lakes… From the hills…
From the sky… All is well…
Safety rest…God is nigh…
Fading light… Dims the sight…
And a star… Gems the sky…
Gleaming bright… From afar…
Drawing nigh… Fails 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…”
The sender of the foregoing added: “I, too, have felt the chills while listening to ‘Taps,’ 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 and also those presently serving in the Armed Forces. The request has more to it: Please send this on after a short prayer for our soldiers… The foregoing is what inspired me as a columnist to do what I could: “pass this on.”
Women and men in the military have rendered and still continue to render indescribable service to all members of America ’s citizenry. Memorial Day marks the remembrances due all branches of the service.
Honor and respect for those fighting men and women should be enshrined in perpetuity for all generations and their generations after!
www.philippinenews.com/article.php?id=4433 Flag-draped coffins and Memorial Day
Published: May 24, 2009 | Author: Ludy Ongkeko
Note: The informative piece was sent to this columnist by Commodore Ramon A. Alcaraz, (AFP, ret.), who was one of the very first officers incarcerated by the government under martial law after he defied the nascent dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos. On these shores, we are reminded of the last Monday of May, historically called Memorial Day, observed as a holiday, focused on women and men of the military who responded to the call of God and country.
The information about the flag, why the flag is folded the way it is and what the meaning of each fold is so enlightening. The message from Commodore Alcaraz is inspirational:
“I think those of you who have children, grandchildren will be doing them a great service by showing and reading the information. How blessed we are to live in the United States of America .” The piece continues: “Do you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776?
“Have you ever noticed how the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the United States of America Flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day.
“The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life. “The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.
“The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world. “The 4th fold represents the weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.
“The 5th fold is a tribute to the country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, ‘Our country in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.’ “The 6th fold is for where people’s hearts lie. It is with their heart that they pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America , of their republic.
(Note to reader: there was no mention of the 7th fold.)
“The 8th fold is an attribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.
“The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.
“The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of their country since they were first born.
“The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews’ eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
“The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians’ eyes, God.
“The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding them of their
nation’s motto, ‘In God We Trust.’
“After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for them the rights, privileges and freedoms they enjoy today.” Traditionally, widows and widowers are on the receiving end of the flag after it is “completely folded and tucked in.” Should they be absent, other close members of their family are called upon to represent them.
In introducing the information received from Commodore Alcaraz, a Philippine hero, this columnist says the knowledge was passed on with a view to inform the younger generations so they will know why the flag is folded thus on flag-draped coffins. The traditions and ways of doing what are “musts,” proclaim how deeply meaningful they are as they remind us of history.
The flag has, since time immemorial, been referred to as the symbol of “liberty and freedom.” A formidable reminder of the significance of the flag and its role, the pledge of allegiance makes every citizen reflect on the blessings when recited: “One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
Memorial Day is for all war heroes, including those heroes of the peace. American soldiers put their lives on the line for all of America . They deserve fitting remembrances and more; they deserve to be given a place of honor in the hearts of the American people for all time
FAIR USE
Pursuant to Title 17 U.S.C. 107, other copyrighted work is provided for educational purposes, research, critical comment, or debate without profit or payment. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for your own purposes beyond the 'fair use' exception, you must obtain permission from
