Clicking on the title of this post will take you to the Military District of Washington's history of the cherished tune, Taps. Finding out more about this mournful tune, used so frequently in military funerals, makes an appropriate Memorial Day exercise. While you read through the history, you can listen to Taps at any one of several places listed here. (And don't miss the post over at Vital Signs Blog which points to General John Logan's original Memorial Day document.)
By the way, there are no genuine lyrics to the tune. The music existed before its popularity created a desire for words to accompany it. When once poets began, however, there was no stopping them and several versions appeared in the 19th Century. Below are the most frequently recited.
Day is done,
gone the sun,
From the hills,
from the lake,
From the skies.
All is well,
safely rest,
God is nigh.
Go to sleep,
peaceful sleep,
May the soldier
or sailor,
God keep.
On the land
or the deep,
Safe in sleep.
Love, good night,
Must thou go,
When the day,
And the night
Need thee so?
All is well.
Speedeth all
To their rest.
Fades the light;
And afar
Goeth day,
And the stars
Shineth bright,
Fare thee well;
Day has gone,
Night is on.
Thanks and praise,
For our days,
'Neath the sun,
Neath the stars,
'Neath the sky,
As we go,
This we know,
God is nigh.
