Taps Archives - View from the Front Porch

26 05, 2014

What are you doing this Memorial Day weekend?

By judythemorgan|2014-05-26T06:00:25-05:00May 26th, 2014|Make Me Think Monday|0 Comments

I’m guessing you are doing or did one or more of these things…

• Spent time with family and friends munching on hot dogs and hamburgers

• Celebrated the unofficial beginning of summer by bringing out the white clothes and shoes

• Shopped or attended a sporting event

• Spent time at the beach, taking in the waves

Memorial Day weekend is for all of those things, but more.

Today is the federal holiday established so we could pause and remember fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, and cousins who never came home.

If somehow you forgot the origins, you are not alone–too many of us do.

But it’s not too late to celebrate and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Today is not over and it is the official designated Memorial Day 2014.

I suggest two ways to honor those who have served:

Read some of many poems written to honor relatives or friends who died serving their country by typing Memorial Day 2014 Poems in your search engine.
Listen to this incredible tribute by Wisconsin Legionnaire William Berg, who played Taps for his post since before World War II. Mr. Berg passed away in July 2013 at the age of 94.

One last word to all those who serve by going off or staying behind at home: my personal heartfelt thank you. I’m sincerely grateful to all of you.

26 05, 2012

We Remember: Memorial Day 2012

By judythemorgan|2022-05-14T07:55:18-05:00May 26th, 2012|Judythe Morgan blog, Uncategorized|1 Comment

This Memorial Day weekend along with the hot dogs, hamburgers, and swimming, I want to honor and remember those who have gone before with this video of TAPS being played by a ninety-two-year-old vet.

“There is something singularly beautiful and appropriate in the music of this wonderful call. Its strains are melancholy, yet full of rest and peace. Its echoes linger in the heart long after its tones have ceased to vibrate in the air.” Quote from an article by Master Sergeant Jari A Villanueva, USAF

Words to Taps

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.

Note: there are no “official” words to Taps. These are the most popular. More about the history of Taps can be found at the official Military Funeral Honors History of Taps page and 24 Notes That Tap Deep Emotions

Our Memorial Day celebrations would not be complete without a big thank you and honor to all of those who serve every day and their families.