The Last Post

Each time I listen to the tune of 'Last Post', I get tears in my eyes; the memories of the past are still afresh. During the academy days, one of my very close friends used to say: I am a soldier, not afraid to die 2 stars on the shoulders worth millions in the sky If I die in the combat zone, Box me up and send me home. Pin my medals to my chest, Tell my mom I did my best. I was born a soldier, so did I die. I lost this dear friend a few years back but he is still alive in my heart and I still cherish the times we spent together. This brave-heart gave his life for the country he loved more than anything else – in the highest traditions of the Indian Army and once again passing the message that we always put “Service Before Self”. Always remember the fallen officers and soldiers – who lost their lives and their present for the better future of the nation. And respect the ones who have returned and who are still serving the armed forces If you have ever been to a military funeral, you would remember ‘The Last Post’ which was played. This note of mine may bring out a new meaning of it and it is surely something which everybody should know. Some of us may have heard the song, 'The Last Post'. It's a song that gives me a lump in the throat and usually tears in my eyes. Let me take you guys through  the story behind this. 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 gun-                          fire, 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 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. This is how 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 Here is a link in case you would like to listen to the tune again. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlYtlyFSTlU&NR=1&feature=fvwp