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Day is Done

February 28, 2013 By Talya Tate Boerner

GBE2: Blog-on Writing Prompt #93 Tribute

Certain songs tap deep emotion. Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring by Bach is one such song for me. Played at weddings, I immediately tear up. And certain old hymns like Blessed Assurance and Amazing Grace flood me with memories.

One song that likely moves everyone is Taps, the haunting melody sounded at military funerals since 1891 and played at each wreath ceremony conducted daily at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Yesterday we buried my father-in-law, Eugene H. “Gene” Boerner, Sr.

Gene was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church, a fourth-degree Knights of Columbus member and an Army veteran of World War II.
He was buried with full military honors including the playing of Taps. What a fitting tribute for a dedicated man who served his country, loved his family and lived his faith.
Godspeed Gene. All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.
John with Flag

talya

Musical Pairing:

Military Taps

While there are no official lyrics for Taps, the following unofficial verse (author unknown) is often used:

Fading light dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright.
From afar drawing nigh – Falls the night.

Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills, from the sky;
All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.

Then good night, peaceful night,
Till the light of the dawn shineth bright;
God is near, do not fear – Friend, good night.

Eugene H. “Gene” Boerner, Sr.
Nov 02, 1921 – Feb 22, 2013

Filed Under: Family, Life

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Comments

  1. TimH says

    February 28, 2013 at 8:21 pm

    Very nice and fitting tribute to your American-hero father in-law, Talya.

    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      February 28, 2013 at 8:26 pm

      Thank you. I couldn’t believe the writing prompt for my blog group this week was Tribute. What a coincidence…

    • Colene says

      March 1, 2013 at 12:09 pm

      This is a very nice tribute to your father in law! John and you must be very proud of him. Sorry I am behind with my comment.

  2. Robin Loyd says

    March 1, 2013 at 5:23 am

    Wonderful Tribute! I am very sorry for your loss!

    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      March 1, 2013 at 5:41 am

      Thank you Robin:)

  3. Patricia A. Laster says

    March 1, 2013 at 6:46 am

    Beautifully done. Yes, that was a serendipitous coincidence, the blog subject.

  4. Paula Martin says

    March 1, 2013 at 7:45 am

    A lovely tribute!

  5. Joyce Lansky says

    March 1, 2013 at 4:17 pm

    When I was a kid, we used to sing Taps at the end of each camp day. It brings back great memories that I hadn’t thought about in years. Thanks.

    http://joycelansky.blogspot.com


Hi! I'm Talya Tate Boerner. Writer, Reader, Arkansas Master Naturalist / Master Gardener, Author of

THE ACCIDENTAL SALVATION OF GRACIE LEE (2016)

GENE, EVERYWHERE: a life-changing visit from my father-in-law (2020)

BERNICE RUNS AWAY (2022)

THE THIRD ACT OF THEO GRUENE (coming 2025)

Recent Ramblings:

  • Sunday Letter: 11.23.25
  • Maggie and Miss Ladybug: My New Children’s Nature Book
  • Sunday Letter: November 9, 2025
  • Sunday Letter: Oct 26, 2025
  • Sunday Letter: Oct 5, 2025

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