Not long ago a reader from Pennsylvania sent me the meaning of the burial song "Taps." An American tradition for the burial of a veteran. A veteran meaning a person who served a military cause for the betterment of others. Someone who saw a higher reason then self. Someone more interested in being a protector then a bully.

It reminded me of Pat Tillman who died a few weeks ago while serving the United States. He walked away from a National Football League (NFL) Arizona Cardinal contract worth 3.6 million dollars. He had a greater calling. A calling that lead to his death.

Pat knew what he walked away from, and what could await him. Of course at 27 nobody believes they are going to die any time soon. That kind of thinking, if lucky, comes later in life. Mr. Tillman was the first active NFL player to die in battle action since 1970. It was then Buffalo Bill's Bob Kalsu died in Viet Nam. During World War 11 a total of 19 NFL players gave it all for the cause.

Other professional sports post similar numbers, but that is not the point. Pro players, like the rest of us, have fields of choice or design. It might be sports, carpentry, mechanics, nurses, retail or just about anything. Hostile situations level the playing field to where one becomes the same as those next to them. Survival, doing what is right, watching the backs of others, and being able to walk away with your head held high.

Something not everyone can do.

However, we can all do one thing. We can send the message in our hearts to those fighting for what is right. In that message of heart is prayers, hope, hang in there, all will be better, and what you are doing makes those of us behind proud. That message also sends tears in that you are there. The tears are right underneath the hand saluting you.

The below song was born out of a war within the States of America. Today we join other countries in a common purpose. Sports Lore does not pretend to know the political side of things, nor will we comment on our thoughts. We just want to say thank-you to the soldiers and others of all countries fighting terrorism, brutality, and that which is wrong.

Also thank-you to Jim in Pennsylvania for the below article.

We in the United States have all heard the haunting song, "Taps." It's the song that gives us that lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes. But, do you know the story behind the song? If not, I think you will be interested to find out about its humble beginnings.

Reportedly, 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 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 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 and suddenly 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, 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.

The haunting melody, we now know as "Taps" ... 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.

REMEMBER THOSE LOST AND HARMED WHILE SERVING THEIR COUNTRY. And also those presently serving in the Armed Forces.