David Bernstein

West Point, 2001

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Paul Lima on October 22, 2003:

Mr and Mrs. Bernstein: I deeply regret the loss of David, your son. I work in Oaks, and am a '95 graduate. In the spirit of honoring David's life and his sacrifice, and depending on your wishes for services, I live nearby and would like to offer to lead the attendees or if you prefer to solo any of the military music from West Point or other sacred or patriotic hymns of your choosing. (for example: the West Point Alma Mater, the Corps) Although I did not personally know David, it is men like David that make the words of these hymns sacred. You may also consider requesting this service from West Point Glee Club. The Corps: The Corps, The Corps, The Corps, The Corps bareheaded, salute it With eyes up thanking our God That we of the corps are treading Where they of the corps have trod They are here in ghostly assemblage The men of the corps long dead And our hearts are standing attention While we wait for their passing tread We sons of today, we salute you You sons of an earlier day We follow close order behind you Where you have pointed the way The long grey line of us stretches Through the years of a century told And the last man feels to his marrow The grip of your far off hold Grip hands with us now, though we see not Grip hands with us strengthen our hearts As the long line stiffens and straightens With the thrill that your presence imparts Grip hands, though it be from the shadows While we swear as you did of yore Or living or dying to honor The Corps, and The Corps, and The Corps Alma Mater: by P.S. Reinecke, 1911 Hail, Alma Mater dear, To us be ever near, Help us thy motto bear Through all the years. Let Duty be well performed, Honor be e'er untarned, Country be ever armed West Point, by thee. Guide us, they sons, aright, Teach us by day, by night, To keep thine honor bright, For thee to fight. When we depart from thee, Serving on land or sea, May we still loyal be, West Point, to thee. And when our work is done, Our course on Earth is run, May it be said, "Well done: Be thou at peace." E'er may that line of gray, Increased from day to day, Live, serve, and die, we pray, West Point, for thee.

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