Two Memorial Tributes to Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain

TO THE LIMITS OF THE SOUL'S IDEAL:

TWO MEMORIAL TRIBUTES TO

JOSHUA LAWRENCE CHAMBERLAIN

The first is an excellent memorial tribute to Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, send to me just before the 87th anniversary of his death, which occurred on February 24, 1914.

The gentleman who sent it to me is Michael Nugent of Maine, who is also a volunteer guide at the Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum in Brunswick, ME. Mike put this picture into the February 24, 2001 edition of the "Portland Press Herald". I thank him for sending me this wonderful memorial, and allowing me to use it on my site!

Please do not copy the image below, without permission from Mr. Nugent.

Please email him at the link above. Thanks!

Here is a rose for the General, in remembrance of this day.

The second tribute is from a gentleman named Glenn S., who was a member of the "Military History Online" message board. He sent this to me some time ago. It includes the text of Chamberlain's Medal of Honor citation, and the seldom-heard words of "Taps".

Thank you, Glenn!

The portrait of Chamberlain in his GAR uniform was generously sent by Maine artist Ken Hendricksen.

Please do not copy without express consent of the artist.

The photo is of Chamberlain's actual Medal of Honor. It rests now in a display case, at Bowdoin College's Hawthorne-Longfellow Memorial Library.

Please do not duplicate the photo, without my express permission.

Medal of Honor - Citation

CHAMBERLAIN, JOSHUA L.

Rank and organization: Colonel, 20th Maine Infantry. Place and date: At Gettysburg, PA, 2 July 1863. Entered service at: Brunswick, Maine. Born: 8 September 1828, Brewer, Maine. Date of issue: 11 August 1893. Citation: Daring heroism and great tenacity in holding his position on the Little Round Top against repeated assaults, and carrying the advance position on the Great Round Top.

"TAPS"

WORDS: Unknown--if anyone has any idea who wrote these words, please email me. Thanks.

MUSIC: Attributed to General Daniel Butterfield, 1862

"Day is done, gone the sun,

From the lake, from the hills,

From the skies.

All is well, safely rest,

God is nigh.

Go to sleep, peaceful sleep,

May the soldier or sailor,

God keep.

On the land or the deep,

Safe in sleep.

Love, good night, Must thou go,

When the day, when the night

Need thee so?

All is well. Speedeth all

To their rest.

Fades the light; And afar

Goeth day, And the stars

Shineth bright,

Fare thee well; Day has gone,

Night is on.

Thanks and praise, For our days,

'Neath the sun, 'Neath the stars,

'Neath the sky.

As we go, This we know,

God is nigh."

Here is a nice closeup of a red Maltese Cross flower. A very appropriate flower to put on this memorial page.

Photo courtesy of David Williamson.

Do not use without his express written permission.

NOTE: This Web site is Copyright © 1999- 2009 Pat Finnegan. All rights reserved.
DO NOT use any written material, or photographs, without first contacting me in writing. If you do not do this, be assured that legal action will be taken.

THANK YOU!

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