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It was July in Virginia. The scent of the dogwood and the laurel lay heavy on the land, While the burgeoning fruit of the peach and the apple Marked the full sway of summer. For seven fateful days, the trees, the flowers... Yes, the very ground itself... Had shuddered under the roar of cannon... The bark of howitzers...and the crackling of a legion of rifles. Now, all was silent. The sledgehammer blows of Robert E. Lee and "Stonewall" Jackson Had mauled the Army of the Potomac... And yet that army was not destroyed. Seven thousand men had fallen in that dreadful week...and the savagery of the conflict Was grimly evident in the river of wounded...that wound through the green hills. Now, a new sound drifted in the soft evening sky. For Colonel Dan Butterfield, a courageous and able soldier, Was also a man of music. To honor his fallen comrades, he had composed a simple and heartrending melody. On July second, in the year 1862, Its strains floated over the graves that scarred the dark Virginia earth. It has been more than a hundred years since that sound was born... but these notes have never died away. Every night of the year, throughout the world, fighting men of America, From the North and the South, the East and the West, Close their eyes in sleep to its call. And in each of their hearts...there glows a fierce surge of pride. "Fading light...falling night... Trumpet calls as the sun sinks in flight. Sleep in peace, comrades dear... God is near." |
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| LYRICS TO TAPS | ||
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| Memorial Day,
originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who
have died in our nation's service. There are many stories as to its
actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to
being the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evidence that
organized women's groups in the South were decorating graves before the
end of the Civil War: a hymn published in 1867, "Kneel Where Our Loves
are Sleeping" by Nella L. Sweet carried the dedication "To The Ladies of
the South who are Decorating the Graves of the Confederate Dead"
(Source: Duke University's
Historic American Sheet Music, 1850-1920).
While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial
Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it's difficult to prove
conclusively the origins of the day. It is more likely that it had many
separate beginnings; each of those towns and every planned or
spontaneous gathering of people to honor the war dead in the 1860's
tapped into the general human need to honor our dead, each contributed
honorably to the growing movement that culminated in Gen Logan giving
his official proclamation in 1868. It is not important who was the very
first, what is important is that Memorial Day was established. Memorial
Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about
coming together to honor those who gave their all.
In
1915, inspired by the poem
"In Flanders Fields,"
Moina Michael replied with her own poem:
She then conceived of an idea to wear red poppies on Memorial day in honor of those who died serving the nation during war. She was the first to wear one, and sold poppies to her friends and co-workers with the money going to benefit servicemen in need. Later a Madam Guerin from France was visiting the United States and learned of this new custom started by Ms.Michael and when she returned to France, made artificial red poppies to raise money for war orphaned children and widowed women. This tradition spread to other countries. In 1921, the Franco-American Children's League sold poppies nationally to benefit war orphans of France and Belgium. The League disbanded a year later and Madam Guerin approached the VFW for help. Shortly before Memorial Day in 1922 the VFW became the first veterans' organization to nationally sell poppies. Two years later their "Buddy" Poppy program was selling artificial poppies made by disabled veterans. In 1948 the US Post Office honored Ms Michael for her role in founding the National Poppy movement by issuing a red 3 cent postage stamp with her likeness on it. Traditional observance of Memorial day has diminished over the years. Many Americans nowadays have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. At many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are increasingly ignored, neglected. Most people no longer remember the proper flag etiquette for the day. While there are towns and cities that still hold Memorial Day parades, many have not held a parade in decades. Some people think the day is for honoring any and all dead, and not just those fallen in service to our country. There are a few notable exceptions. Since the late 50's on the Thursday before Memorial Day, the 1,200 soldiers of the 3d U.S. Infantry place small American flags at each of the more than 260,000 gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery. They then patrol 24 hours a day during the weekend to ensure that each flag remains standing. In 1951, the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts of St. Louis began placing flags on the 150,000 graves at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery as an annual Good Turn, a practice that continues to this day. More recently, beginning in 1998, on the Saturday before the observed day for Memorial Day, the Boys Scouts and Girl Scouts place a candle at each of approximately 15,300 grave sites of soldiers buried at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park on Marye's Heights (the Luminaria Program). And in 2004, Washington D.C. held its first Memorial Day parade in over 60 years. To help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the "National Moment of Remembrance" resolution was passed on Dec 2000 which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans "To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to 'Taps." The Moment of Remembrance is a step in the right direction to returning the meaning back to the day. What is needed is a full return to the original day of observance. Set aside one day out of the year for the nation to get together to remember, reflect and honor those who have given their all in service to their country.
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© 1994 - 2005 David Merchant
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The
use of gun salutes for military occasions is traced to early warriors who
demonstrated their peaceful intentions by placing their weapons in a position
that rendered them ineffective. Apparently this custom was universal, with the
specific act varying with time and place, depending on the weapons being used.
A North African tribe, for example, trailed the points of their spears on the
ground to indicate that they did not mean to be hostile.
The
tradition of rendering a salute by cannon originated in the 14th century as
firearms and cannons came into use. Since these early devices contained only
one projectile, discharging them once rendered them ineffective. Originally
warships fired seven-gun salutes--the number seven probably selected because
of its astrological and Biblical significance. Seven planets had been
identified and the phases of the moon changed every seven days. The Bible
states that God rested on the seventh day after Creation, that every seventh
year was sabbatical and that the seven times seventh year ushered in the
Jubilee year.
Land
batteries, having a greater supply of gunpowder, were able to fire three guns
for every shot fired afloat, hence the salute by shore batteries was 21 guns.
The multiple of three probably was chosen because of the mystical significance
of the number three in many ancient civilizations. Early gunpowder, composed
mainly of sodium nitrate, spoiled easily at sea, but could be kept cooler and
drier in land magazines. When potassium nitrate improved the quality of
gunpowder, ships at sea adopted the salute of 21 guns.
The
21-gun salute became the highest honor a nation rendered. Varying customs
among the maritime powers led to confusion in saluting and return of salutes.
Great Britain, the world's preeminent sea power in the 18th and 19th
centuries, compelled weaker nations to salute first, and for a time monarchies
received more guns than did republics. Eventually, by agreement, the
international salute was established at 21 guns, although the United States
did not agree on this procedure until August 1875.
The
gun salute system of the United States has changed considerably over the
years. In 1810, the "national salute" was defined by the War
Department as equal to the number of states in the Union--at that time 17.
This salute was fired by all U.S. military installations at 1:00 p.m. (later
at noon) on Independence Day. The President also received a salute equal to
the number of states whenever he visited a military installation.
In
1842, the Presidential salute was formally established at 21 guns. In 1890,
regulations designated the "national salute" as 21 guns and
re-designated the traditional Independence Day salute, the "Salute to the
Union," equal to the number of states. Fifty guns are also fired on all
military installations equipped to do so at the close of the day of the
funeral of a President, ex-President, or President-elect.
Today
the national salute of 21 guns is fired in honor of a national flag, the
sovereign or chief of state of a foreign nation, a member of a reigning royal
family, and the President, ex-President and President-elect of the United
States. It is also fired at noon of the day of the funeral of a President,
ex-President, or President-elect.
Gun
salutes are also rendered to other military and civilian leaders of this and
other nations. The number of guns is based on their protocol rank. These
salutes are always in odd numbers.
Source:
Headquarters, Military District of Washington, FACT SHEET: GUN SALUTES,
May 1969.
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Interesting
facts about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Sentinels of the Third United States Infantry Regiment "Old Guard" 1. How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns and why? 21 steps. It alludes to the twenty-one-gun salute, which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary. 2. How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his return walk and why? 21 seconds, for the same reason as answer number 1. 3. Why are his gloves wet? His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle. 4. Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time, and if not, why not? No, he carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the path, he executes an about face and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder. 5. How often are the guards changed? Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year. 6. What are the physical traits of the guard limited to? For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb he must be between 5' 10" and 6' 2" tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30". Other requirements of the Guard: They must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES. They cannot swear in public FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES and cannot disgrace the uniform {fighting} or the tomb in any way. After TWO YEARS, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only 400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin. The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt. There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length mirror. The first SIX MONTHS of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. Among the notables are: President Taft, Joe E. Lewis {the boxer} and Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy, {the most decorated soldier of WWII} of Hollywood fame. Every guard spends FIVE HOURS A DAY getting his uniforms ready for guard duty. The Sentinels Creed: My dedication to this sacred duty is total and wholehearted. In the responsibility bestowed on me never will I falter. And with dignity and perseverance my standard will remain perfection. Through the years of diligence and praise and the discomfort of the elements, I will walk my tour in humble reverence to the best of my ability. It is he who commands the respect I protect. His bravery that made us so proud. Surrounded by well meaning crowds by day, alone in the thoughtful peace of night, this soldier will in honored glory rest under my eternal vigilance. More Interesting facts about the Tomb of the Unknowns itself: The marble for the Tomb of the Unknowns was furnished by the Vermont Marble Company of Danby, VT. The marble is the finest and whitest of American marble, quarried from the Yule Marble Quarry located near Marble, Colorado and is called Yule Marble. The Marble for the Lincoln memorial and other famous buildings was also quarried there. The Tomb consists of seven pieces of rectangular marble: Four pieces in sub base; weight Â- 15 tons; One piece in base or plinth; weight Â- 16 tons; One piece in die; weight Â- 36 tons; One piece in cap; weight Â- 12 tons; Carved on the East side (the front of the Tomb, which faces Washington, D.C.) is a composite of three figures, commemorative of the spirit of the Allies of World War I. The Sentinels Creed: My dedication to this sacred duty is total and wholehearted. In the responsibility bestowed on me never will I falter. And with dignity and perseverance my standard will remain perfection. Through the years of diligence and praise and the discomfort of the elements, I will walk my tour in humble reverence to the best of my ability. It is he who commands the respect I protect. His bravery that made us so proud. Surrounded by well meaning crowds by day, alone in the thoughtful peace of night, this soldier will in honored glory rest under my eternal vigilance. More Interesting facts about the Tomb of the Unknowns itself: The marble for the Tomb of the Unknowns was furnished by the Vermont Marble Company of Danby, VT. The marble is the finest and whitest of American marble, quarried from the Yule Marble Quarry located near Marble, Colorado and is called Yule Marble. The Marble for the Lincoln memorial and other famous buildings was also quarried there. The Tomb consists of seven pieces of rectangular marble: Four pieces in sub base; weight Â- 15 tons; One piece in base or plinth; weight Â- 16 tons; One piece in die; weight Â- 36 tons; One piece in cap; weight Â- 12 tons; Carved on the East side (the front of the Tomb, which faces Washington, D.C.) is a composite of three figures, commemorative of the spirit of the Allies of World War I. In the center of the panel stands Victory (female). On the right side, a male figure symbolizes Valor. On the left side stands Peace, with her palm branch to reward the devotion and sacrifice that went with courage to make the cause of righteousness triumphant. The north and south sides are divided into three panels by Doric pilasters. In each panel is an inverted wreath. On the west, or rear, panel (facing the Amphitheater) is inscribed: HERE RESTS IN HONORED GLORY AN AMERICAN SOLDIER KNOWN BUT TO GOD The first Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was a sub base and a base or plinth. It was slightly smaller than the present base. This was torn away when the present Tomb was started Aug. 27, 1931. The Tomb was completed and the area opened to the public 9:15 a.m. April 9, 1932, without any ceremony. Cost of the Tomb: $48,000 Sculptor: Thomas Hudson Jones Architect: Lorimer Rich Contractors: Hagerman &Harris, New York City Inscription: Author Unknown Interesting Commentary : The Third Infantry Regiment at Fort Myer has the responsibility for providing ceremonial units and honor guards for state occasions, White House social functions, public celebrations and interments at Arlington National Cemetery and standing a very formal sentry watch at the Tomb of the Unknowns. The public is familiar with the precision of what is called "walking post" at the Tomb. There are roped off galleries where visitors can form to observe the troopers and their measured step and almost mechanically, silent rifle shoulder changes. They are relieved every hour in a very formal drill that has to be seen to be believed. Some people think that when the Cemetery is closed to the public in the evening that this show stops. First, to the men who are dedicated to this work, it is no show. It is a "charge of honor." The formality and precision continues uninterrupted all night. During the nighttime, the drill of relief and the measured step of the on-duty sentry remain unchanged from the daylight hours. To these men, these special men, the continuity of this post is the key to the honor and respect shown to these honored dead, symbolic of all unaccounted for American combat dead. The steady rhythmic step in rain, sleet, snow, hail, heat and cold must be uninterrupted. Uninterrupted is the important part of the honor shown. Submitted By: Dave "Big Lew" Lewis Fox Co. 3/3 1968-1969 |