We in the United States have all heard the haunting song, “TAPS.”  It's the song that gives us the 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 Elli 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 Elli heard the moans of a Soldier who lay severely wounded on the field.  Not know 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.

I too have felt the chills while listening to “TAPS” but I have never seen all the words to the song until now.  I didn't even know there was more than one verse.  I also never knew the story behind the song and I didn't know if you had either so I thought I'd pass it along.
I now have an even deeper respect for the song than I did before.
Remember Those Lost and Harmed While Serving Their Country.

A Salute to MAJOR Kenneth J P Waguesapck
Band of Brothers/Sisters
You may have served in Combat or not.  You may have retired out or you may have served for a short time. You may have been a draftee or a volunteer.  You may have served in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, the Merchant Marines, the Reserves or the National Guard, BUT YOU SERVED.  You did not run off to another Country.  YOU DID YOUR JOB HONORABLY and for that we are PROUD to call you Brother.  You may have served during WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Persian Gulf, Iraq or Afghanistan, but you served, you did not run.  You have a Discharge Certificate with those words "HONORABLY DISCHARGED" the two most noble words in the world.  Again we are proud to know each and every one of you. 
 
Brothers and Sisters, life is too short to wake up with regrets.  So love the people who treat you right.  Forgive the ones who don't, just because you can.  Believe everything happens for a reason.  If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands.  If it changes your life, let it.  Take a few minutes to think before you act when you're angry.  Forgive quickly.  God never said life would be easy, he just promised it would be worth it. 
 
 Every day is Band of Brothers'/Sisters' Day; share this with all your fellow veterans you know.  Happy Brothers'/Sisters' Day! 
 
To the cool men and women that have touched our lives:  Here's to you!!  I was never a hero, but I am thankful I served with you. 
 
A real Brother/Sister walks with you when the rest of the world walks on you.
Ken, be with the Lord to protect and guard the gates of Heaven.  Oh, and as a Soldier you might want to volunteer to help polish the golden gates of Heaven with some Braso.  We LOVE you.  I SALUTE YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR GREAT COUNTRY.

Julie, so sorry to read of the passing of your father.  He was a great man who  touched many lives.  Please know that you and your family are in our prayers.

Jared, Sandra, Lauren, Alex and Noel Corne

TO THE WAGUESPACK FAMILY,
MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS .  mANY MEMORIES OF MR. KENNY IN OUR YEARS AT MOUNT CARMEL AND CATHOLIC HIGH.  A SPECIAL PRAYER FOR MICHELLE
MILLIE GUYOTE MINVIELLE

To Mrs. Waguespack and ALL the family.  I am the woman at the nursing home, who asked to come in and pray with the family.  After reading everything about you and Mr. Waguespack, I am in awe of the both of you and how you raised this family of 16 children.  Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of this great man.  Only wish I could have known the two of you better.  Your home must have been the warmest of homes with all those children around.  He is surely already in our Father's loving arms. God bless all of you at this sad time!
And you, Mrs. Waguespack, carry on, the way he would have wanted!  You, too, are a wonderful person, and I greatly admired the fact that you could be here for him, every day, rain or shine.  May He always watch over you!

Gene --so sorry of your families loss; Prayers are with you. Charles and Melber

I am so sorry for your loss. He was such a sweet man! The last time I saw him, he had come and gotten some clothes from me that I was giving away on freecycle to give to his grand kids.... He will be missed!

Thoughts and prayers going out to Andre and her family during this difficult time...

I have lost a wonderful friend.  How lucky I feel to have known and worked with him and Sis.  Heaven must be happy today.  My love to you all, Sister B

My deepest sympathy to your family. Mr. Ken will be greatly missed. We have a great angel watching over us!

Please accept my family's sympathy for the loss of Mr. Waguespack.  We will be praying for all of you.

Please acceot my family's sympathy for the loss of Mr. Waguespack.  We will be praying for all of you.

Any Mount Carmel Alum who had the pleasure of having Mr. Ken as a teacher has too many fond memories of him to convey.  Be it cooking breakfast for anyone who wanted to come by the house before school or his not taking tests too seriously, we all loved him.  My earliest memories of church include Mr. Ken.  
To the Waguespack family especially Nicole and Ms. Sis,  my thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult time.  Know for sure that you have a gaurdian angel looking down on you from above.  And what a fine angel to have.

Marcelle, I am praying that God eases your pain and strenghthens your heart while bearing the tremendous loss of 
your father. When you are overcome with grief, remember that God has taken away his pain and filled him with eternal light and love.

Julie, I didn't know your dad, but knowing you, he had to be a great man cuz he raised such a wonderful daughter...and then last night I marveled at the eulogies given in his honor!  I feel honored to have been able to hear those!  May God continue to bless you in your memories of a great Dad!

How blessed we were to have Mr. Ken as a religion teacher when we were MCA seniors!  The daily reminders of "IALAC" - I Am Lovable And Capable, the ever-present smiley face stickers, assignments that taught us qualities to look for in husbands, expectations of conducting ourselves as ladies, and most of all reassurance of Jesus' love. As an adult, I experienced his passion for Catholic education through his love for St. Edward and his relationships with our Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. Until the time he passed away, Sr. Agnes and Sr. Michelle would often ask about "Deacon Ken." We all kept him in our prayers during his health struggles.  How fortunate we were with him for many reasons and his spirit will live on through all who were touched by his life.  There was a peace and joy to the way he lived, infused with laughter and smiles.  The world has lost a beautiful man, yet heaven has gained an angel.  Deepest sympathy and love.

What a blessing Deacon Ken has been to the New Iberia community.  His presence will surely be missed but his love will live on in the wonderful family he has led.

To the family of Deacon Ken Waguespack,

My condolences and prayers are with you. I lost Geneva (Jean) in February and understand the sorrow. 
Ken and I served as staff officers in the 256th Brigade in the early 70s. His expertise and assistance was valuable to the brigade, and especially to me (a transplanted "Redneck") as the full time operations officer.

Colonel (Retired) Roy Nomey

It has been close to fourteen years since I last saw Wacky and Sis.  It is sad that we lose touch with those closest to us over the years.  Age, health and family demands seem to get in the way.  Sis you are an inspiration to me, from the time I can remember.  Wacky always seemed to have a mischievous smile and twinkle in his eyes.  I will miss that.  Nanny, you and all of my cousins are in my prayers.  I know that Wacky is with God and will continue to look over you and your family.  Love to all.

I started working at Davis-Dupuy Ins. Agency in 1961.  I had just graduated from Mt. Carmel and little did I know I was starting a career in the insurance industry which would last 26 years.  Ken contributed tremendously to my career, and I am still very grateful for our years working together.  I thank God for our paths crossing and pray they will cross again.
            Maiden name:  Bonnie Marie LeBlanc

My family would like to offer our deepest sympathies to Sis and all the kids. Ken was a fine man and the world could use more men like him. Rest in Peace.

Please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of a great man.  I was so sorry to hear the news.

I hope that the words of the Bible that say "Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted" will be especially true for you. My prayers will be that you find comfort in your faith as you make it through this very difficult time.

God Bless You and your wonderful family.

Marci, Julie, and Michelle - I am sorry to hear about your loss.  I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers at this time.

Nicole, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.

 Joey, Nicole, Kenny ,  and Mrs. Sis .......Your family has my deepest sympathy. Your long-time friend and neighbor......John Berard......

We are so sorry for your loss.  Mr. Waguespack was a special person and I know this is a very difficult time for you. You will be in our prayers.

Mr.Waguespack was very dear friend with me and teach Kay too.He was loving caring person that help all girls at MC.He was greatest father have loving family so much together.We going miss our dear friend,Mr.Waguespack.

Although his home was always filled with children, he never failed to make me feel like I was a child of his or a child of God.  Mr. Ken, thank you for the cherished memories you bestowed on me.

Mr. Ken was my English teacher for my senior year at Mt. Carmel. I was a typical 16 year old rebel without a cause, but regardless of how unbearable I was Mr. Ken always exuded patience and confidence and truly believed in me.  He became my mentor and my hero, and he always will be in my heart.  Thank you Lord for allowing me the precious gift of having him in my life.  May God bless all of his family and rejoice that he is finally going home with the gates wide open!

My deapest sympathies for this great loss to the Waguespack family. Mr. Ken was a great man. He was sweet, kind, and loving. I always felt welcome in the Waguespack home during my teenage years and beyond. Mr. Ken and Ms. Sug always welcomed me with open arms. I love this family deeply and feel their pain and loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to each and every one of you during your time of grief.

God has called home for his reward one of his most good and faithful servants.

Our thoughts & prayers are with all of you during this time of sorrow. May he rest in peace.....

Uncle Ken was a very special man and we will miss him dearly.  We send our thoughts and prayers to all of The Waguespacks, may God's peace be with them and comfort them.

No words can express the love I have for Uncle Ken, Nanny and the whole family. Thank you Uncle. Thank you for everything.

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.


Our prayers are with the family at this time.

Our prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Our prayers and sympathy to your family! We have many fond memories of Mr. Ken.... esp. @ the annual 4th of July parties! What a special man with a special family.
Gary, Julie, Chase & Grant Wooley

I love you paw paw. !! Will miss you very much

Paw paw I just want to thank you for everything you have done for me. You were always there when I needed a shoulder to cry on or just to talk. I will never forget any advice you ever gave me because it was always the best advice ever! I will miss you so so much, but I know with all my heart you are sitting with Jesus looking down on all of us and smiling. I know you are happy but its just hard to say goodbye. I love you more than anything. I only hope and pray that I can follow in your footsteps become a great person just like you were. You will forever be in my heart. Please continue to pray and look down on me, David, and the girls. I know we gained a special angel.

Our deepest sympathies. Ken always made me laugh and I will miss him. May he rest in peace.

The Spedale Family send our condolences to all of the Waguespack Family.
We feel blessed to have been a part of his life through Julie' , Emma and Alex. We will truly miss visiting with him , such a kind, loving man. 

We are praying for him and hope he will continue to pray for us. 

Patsy, Tony and Family

Mr. Ken was a very special man and raised a wonderful family- makes each of us want to be a better person. It was an honor to know him. Please accept our condolences and prayers

Sis, Jan and I want to express our deepest sympathies and condolences to you, your family and friends. A story I recall about Ken -- I will never forget.
With Ken things were right or they were wrong - there were no in betweens. We were in the National Guard Unit in New Iberia (Co G 2nd Bn 156th Inf 39th Inf Div). One drill (that was when we drilled on Tuesday nights) right after I was promoted to SGT E5 (in 1956), we were conducting Rifle Marksmanship Training. I was a SGT, thought I had it made, so I was just walking around with my hands in my pockets and not supervisoring the way I was suppose to be doing. Ken was a Lieutenant, he got onto me and chewed me out like I had never chewed out before. Mannnnn, you talk about straighten up. That evening, after drill we went to the local bar for a beer. Ken came in and mannnn, I was so affraid - he came up to me, put his arm around my should and said, "When we work, we work; when we play, we play and we always know the difference" and he bought me a beer. Throughtout my military career, those words always rang through my mind and I never forgot who told me those words. I respected Ken to highest degree. I learned a lot about the military and life from Ken. Ken will be deeply missed.

OBITUARY

Deacon Kenneth Paul Waguespack Sr.

19 July, 1928 – 10 July, 2012

Evangeline Funeral Home

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