Many of us paid tribute to the fallen soldiers of various battles this past weekend as we celebrated Memorial Day. My husband and I found ourselves on a beautiful green hilltop with pine trees encircling the edges. Old Glory waved easily from a pole set in the center of the peaceful resting place. White rectangular headstones placed several feet apart, along with a few private monuments roll in short ribbons across two acres comprising Fort Meade National Cemetery. At the conclusion of the program, we were all invited to sing together, “The Star Spangled Banner” as we stood in the shadow of the flag. How fitting this was, as we had just learned that the song had it’s roots of becoming the national anthem, right here at the Fort Meade military post. The cemetery overlooks a well kept campus of two story old stone buildings build around a grassy square. The fort was established in 1878 to protect the new settlements in the northern Black Hills. Shortly after the fort was established so was the cemetery.

Fort Meade boasts of two claims to fame. As mentioned, it is here where “The Star Spangled Banner” rose to stardom.  Although Francis Scott Key penned the song in 1814, it was Col. Caleb Carton, commanding officer at Fort Meade, that began to require it to be played at the close of all concerts and parades and at the fort’s retreat time. He was eventually successful in persuading the Washington establishment to order it played at all forts, and in 1914 President Wilson signed an executive order making the song the national anthem.

The second claim to fame is a story of a horse – the most famous horse in western history. He resided at Fort Meade from 1879 – 1888.  Comanche is one of only two horses in United States history that has received full military honors at death. This bay colored horse known for his bravery rode into battle under the command of General George Custer on June 25, 1876 at Montana’s Little Bighorn. He is sometimes thought to have been General Custer’s own horse, but this is not so. His owner and rider that day was Captain Myles Keogh – a man that treated his horse well and who had bought him from the army for $90.00.

When the Battle of the Little Bighorn was over and army soldiers sprawled dead across the greasy grass, few horses remained. Those that the Indians felt were still useful animals were taken back to camp. They had no use for the badly  injured Comanche and when troops arrived to take care of the dead, the brave and loyal horse was found standing over the body of Captain Keogh and others nearby.

This wasn’t the first time Comanche had been injured in battle, suffering wounds from both bullets and arrows.  Respect for this brave horse increased with each of the four serious injuries he sustained – always ending the battle before being treated and always willing to return to battle once he was healed.

Following the Battle of the Bighorn, Comanche received the honorary title of Second Commanding Officer and was retired from further service. It was ordered that no one would ride him again. He led occasional official parades with his head held high, as it should be. He was allowed the run of the grounds at Fort Meade and became a “pet” of most everyone stationed there. It is said in more than one reference, because of all the toasts made in honor of his heroism, he became quite a fan of beer.

Comanche died from colic in November of 1891 at the age of 29 years. He spent his last few years at Fort Riley, Kansas. At death, he was mounted by the well-known Kansas taxidermist, Lewis Dyche, and continues to reside in the National History Museum at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas.

Let us allow Comanche to be an inspiration to all of us during difficult times. Not only did he rise from a wild mustang on the prairies of Texas to a decorated soldier, but he lived out the familiar phrase, “Keep on, keeping on.”

We seldom stop to consider the sacrifices animals have given for our country, but Comanche is one beast that caught the attention of  song writer and singer, Johnny Horton. Even though the lyrics aren’t totally accurate the message is clear.

“Comanche (The Brave Horse)”

The battle was over at Custer’s last stand
And taps were sounding for all the brave men
While one lone survivor wounded and weak
Comanche the Brave Horse lay at the General’s feet.

Comanche you fought hard, Comanche you tried
You were a good soldier so hold your head up high
For even the greatest sometimes must fall
Comanche the Brave Horse you gave your all.