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The bugle call was composed by the Union Army Brigadier General Daniel Butterfield, an American Civil War general who commanded the 3rd Brigade of the 1st Division in the V Army Corps of the Army of the Potomac. Butterfield wrote the tune at Harrison's Landing, Virginia, in July 1862.

Butterfield's bugler, Oliver W. Norton, of Erie, Pennsylvania, was the first to sound the new call. Within months, Taps was used by both Union and Confederate forces. Booth states that the tune is actually a variation of an earlier bugle call known as the Scott Tattoo which was used in the U.S. from 1835 until 1860.

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What time is taps played?

(WRONG)in the morning and evening and at funerals TAPS is played usually around 2200 HOURS(10pm) and at multiple ceremonies(funerals included). Reveille is played in the morning for the raising of the colors and retreat is played in the evening during the lowering of the colors.


What song is played when the American Flag is lowered in the US Military?

Retreat is played during the lowering of the colors(flag). TAPS(Lights Out) is not.


By what date was it regulation to play taps at military funerals?

The 24-note melancholy bugle call known as "taps" is thought to be a revision of a French bugle signal, called "tattoo," that notified soldiers to cease an evening's drinking and return to their garrisons. It was sounded an hour before the final bugle call to end the day by extinguishing fires and lights. The last five measures of the tattoo resemble taps.The word "taps" is an alteration of the obsolete word "taptoo," derived from the Dutch "taptoe." Taptoe was the command - "Tap toe!" - to shut ("toe to") the "tap" of a keg.The revision that gave us present-day taps was made during America's Civil War by Union Gen. Daniel Adams Butterfield, heading a brigade camped at Harrison Landing, Va., near Richmond. Up to that time, the U.S. Army's infantry call to end the day was the French final call, "L'Extinction des feux." Gen. Butterfield decided the "lights out" music was too formal to signal the day's end. One day in July 1862 he recalled the tattoo music and hummed a version of it to an aide, who wrote it down in music. Butterfield then asked the brigade bugler, Oliver W. Norton, to play the notes and, after listening, lengthened and shortened them while keeping his original melody.He ordered Norton to play this new call at the end of each day thereafter, instead of the regulation call. The music was heard and appreciated by other brigades, who asked for copies and adopted this bugle call. It was even adopted by Confederate buglers.This music was made the official Army bugle call after the war, but not given the name "taps" until 1874.The first time taps was played at a military funeral may also have been in Virginia soon after Butterfield composed it. Union Capt. John Tidball, head of an artillery battery, ordered it played for the burial of a cannoneer killed in action. Not wanting to reveal the battery's position in the woods to the enemy nearby, Tidball substituted taps for the traditional three rifle volleys fired over the grave. Taps was played at the funeral of Confederate Gen. Stonewall Jackson 10 months after it was composed. Army infantry regulations by 1891 required taps to be played at military funeral ceremonies.Taps now is played by the military at burial and memorial services, to accompany the lowering of the flag and to signal the "lights out" command at day's end.reference - http://www.classbrain.com/artfree/publish/article_189.shtml


What do civilians do when they hear taps?

Nothing. taps is played at 10 o' clock on bases which is traditionally lights out for barracks. Others just keep the noise down. During 'colors' (lowering or raising of the flag) A civilian just puts his hand over his/her heart & stands fast while those in uniform salute.


Why do you play Taps at war memorials?

Taps is played at war memorials as a tribute to honor and remember fallen soldiers. The haunting melody serves as a respectful farewell, symbolizing the end of the day and a peaceful rest for those who sacrificed their lives for their country. It is a tradition that conveys gratitude and recognition of their service, evoking deep emotions and reflection among attendees. Additionally, Taps has historical significance, having been used during the Civil War to signal the end of the day and as a final salute for deceased soldiers.

Related Questions

Is it prohibited to play taps at non-military funerals?

yes, Taps is commonly played at Firefighter and Police funerals


Why is taps significant?

Taps is a song. It is a musical piece played at dusk and at funerals, particularly by the U.S. military.


What date was it a regulation to play taps at military funerals?

On February 22nd, 1964 it was regulation to play taps at military funerals.


Which Bugle Call is played at military funerals?

At British Military funerals it's "The Last Post" . - I believe it's "Taps", at US military funerals. ( and contrary to popular mythology, they ARE different. )


What music is played on military bases at 11pm?

"Taps" is a musical piece sounded at dusk, and at funerals. It shows respect for the fallen in the military.


What date was it regulation to play taps at military funeral?

On February 22nd, 1964 it was regulation to play taps at military funerals.


How was the song taps given its name?

Taps is a bugle called played at dusk, during flag ceremonies and at military funerals. Lt. William Wade paid saloon keepers to shut of the 'taps' to the kegs when the song was played in a neighbouring army camp


What are cemetery taps?

Cemetery taps are military taps buglers that were played at military cemeteries.


What date was the regulation to play taps at military funerals?

i still have no clue its been 11 months


When do you play taps?

Taps is traditionally played at military funerals, memorial services, and during the lowering of the flag at dusk. It serves as a poignant tribute to honor and remember those who have served and sacrificed. Additionally, Taps is often played during commemorative events and ceremonies to evoke reflection and respect.


How long is the army taps is played?

The Army Taps, also known simply as "Taps," is typically played for about 24 seconds. It consists of a simple, haunting melody played on a bugle, traditionally performed during military ceremonies, particularly at funerals and memorials. The piece serves to honor fallen soldiers and is recognized as a symbol of respect and remembrance.


What is played on the trumpet on Remembrance Day?

I'm pretty sure the song you're referring to is called "taps". Generally it's played at Military funerals honoring the dead.*addition* "Taps" would only be part, before the moment of silence, it's "The Last Post" that's played, and then afterwards is when "Taps" is played.