Military Ribbon Information: From left to right are,
|
|
I have never spoken to you, But now I want to say, "How do you do". You see God, they told me You did not exist; And, like a fool, I believed all of this. Last night from a shell hole I saw Your sky; I figured right then they had told me a lie. Had I taken the time to see the things You made, I would know they weren't calling a spade a spade. I wonder, God, if You would shake my hand; Somehow, I feel that You will understand. Strange, I had to come to this hellish place Before I had time to see Your face. Well, I guess there isn't much more to say, But I am sure glad, God, I met You today. I guess the Zero hour will soon be here, But I am not afraid since I know You are near. The signal - well, God, I will have to go; I love you lots, this I want you to know. Looks like this will be a horrible fight; Who knows, I may come to Your house tonight. Thought I wasn't friendly with You before, I wonder, God, if you would wait at the door. Look, I am crying, me shedding tears!! I wish I had known you these many years. Well, I will have to go now, God, Goodbye Strange, since I met you, I am not afraid to die. ~ Author Unknown ~ This poem was found on the body of a nineteen year old American Soldier in Vietnam.. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall |
Click to enter The Witness to War Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the stories and unique experiences of combat veterans. Over 100 veterans, primarily from World War II, share their stories in digital video, most of which have never been told before |
|
It all began in 1862 during the 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 moan of a soldier who lay mortally 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 gunfire, 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. Suddenly he caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son. The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out. Without telling his father, he 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 partially granted. The captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge of the son at the funeral. That request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. 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 found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform. This wish was granted. This music was the haunting melody we now know as "Taps" used at all military funerals. First played for its composer. |
