Taps is one of the saddest sounds in existence. I don't know that I've ever heard Taps played anywhere other than at military funerals or other somber occasions.
When I hear those lonesome tones, and I consider the full weight of those sounds, it puts a lump in my throat because it means that someone who has served with honor, has passed on.
Many of us hold athletes and other people in the public eye in high esteem, but in the scheme of things, what they do is insignificant when stood up next the the sacrifices made by our country's veterans.I'm proud of our little community for doing what it takes to build a monument recognizing our local veterans.
As a veteran, I was deeply moved and honored.
Day is done, gone the sun,
ReplyDeleteFrom the lake, 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.
Sun has set, shadows come,
Time has fled, Scouts must go to their beds
Always true to the promise that they made.
While the light fades from sight,
And the stars gleaming rays softly send,
To thy hands we our souls, Lord, commend.
Here's how the words to Taps came to be:
http://freepages.music.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~edgmon/cwtaps.htm
I always thought of it as a calming sound--ending the day. Not that I was ever in the military, but it always signified the end of day to me, not the end of life. Lovely words to the song--glad WeldrBrat posted them.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure Tulsa has Veteran memorials, I have not ever sought them out. One of our "favorite" military events is on Memorial Day when the local Memorial Park cemetery puts out thousands of flags with dog tags attached and flies the huge garrison flag. We participated in the ceremony one year when our son Ryan earned his Eagle Scout award. All the Eagles participate in the lowering of the garrison flag. Then all the local scout troops collect the flags for cleaning and storage until the next year. There is something powerful and moving about seeing all those flags line the roadways.
tm