Posted on Nov 16, 2015
What is your favorite military bugle call to hear?
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Everybody who has spent time on a military installation has heard bugle calls - either by an actual bugler or a recorded bugle call. Some calls woke us up [First Call]; accompanied the raising of the National Colors [Reveille]; told us it was time to eat [Mess Call]; announced the retiring of the National Colors [Retreat]; told us to turn to out the lights in squad rooms of old [Tattoo]; told us to go back to our rooms [Call to Quarters]; and go to sleep (Taps) or remember the recently departed.
Many bases, posts, camps and stations only used some of these bugle calls each day; but, a few used many or most - especially West Point in my experience. Those of us who spent time on Parade fields heard Assembly, Attention and Adjutant's Call played many times. I can't remember if a bugle call coincided with the Commander's command to initiate pass in review.
The U.S. Army Music hyperlink includes each bugle call.
How did the bugle calls affect you? Did you enjoy them or did you do your best to be inside when they were played?
http://www.music.army.mil/music/buglecalls/
Many bases, posts, camps and stations only used some of these bugle calls each day; but, a few used many or most - especially West Point in my experience. Those of us who spent time on Parade fields heard Assembly, Attention and Adjutant's Call played many times. I can't remember if a bugle call coincided with the Commander's command to initiate pass in review.
The U.S. Army Music hyperlink includes each bugle call.
How did the bugle calls affect you? Did you enjoy them or did you do your best to be inside when they were played?
http://www.music.army.mil/music/buglecalls/
United States Military Academy (USMA West Point)
Troops
Respect
Music
Edited >1 y ago
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 126
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I am going to say Taps, because no matter where you are, it makes you stop and reflect on those who paid the price for our freedom.
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SPC Michael Duricko, Ph.D
Sgt David G Duchesneau
Thank you for the link to your book. I was also there during the Tet "66 to '67 fighting with the Korean Special Forces in an Attack Helicopter Group in some insane situations and although I wasn't able to open the link I will find and read your book my Brother because we may have been in some battles together and never knew it. God Bless you, welcome home and I salute you and your bravery.
Thank you for the link to your book. I was also there during the Tet "66 to '67 fighting with the Korean Special Forces in an Attack Helicopter Group in some insane situations and although I wasn't able to open the link I will find and read your book my Brother because we may have been in some battles together and never knew it. God Bless you, welcome home and I salute you and your bravery.
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SFC Chuck Martinez
I like all bugle calls but the one that make me sad is Taps, when a soldier is laid to rest!
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LTC Stephen F. I'm not gonna lie I am about to sound really "Pro Navy/Pro Military" right now but, I live in base housing and one of the things I love the most is hearing Reveille and Taps going off every morning and evening. Hearing the formations singing cadence during group runs. Well these things fill me full of pride and make my heart swell. The greatest part is my children are raised around it and know how to respect it.
Respect starts at home and when I have family come visit, I love explaining to them what Reveille and Taps is and why it is so important. Photo comment: This is actual homework that my daughter did. If a 7 year can get it why can't grow adults?
Respect starts at home and when I have family come visit, I love explaining to them what Reveille and Taps is and why it is so important. Photo comment: This is actual homework that my daughter did. If a 7 year can get it why can't grow adults?
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SGT Walter Lester
I like revelle the best, that means it's the start of the day. It is time to get started and do what you best. It's time to show your respect to the flag and your country.
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LCpl Martin Vincent
Tattoo, this call always seemed to calm me from a hectic day of mid 1960's U.S.M.C. boot camp.
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1LT Peter Duston
You will see from my profile photo that I am a Army bugler and as a 82 year old uniformed bugler, I am attached as a retiree to the Maine USAF Honor Guard and as a volunteer, sound Taps at Army, USMC, Navy and USCG funerals as well. I have done hundreds as well as at other events. When I was a 12 year old scout, my trumpet teacher taught me Taps so I could become my Troop Bugler. I still have that patch on my Scoutmaster uniform and teach young scouts Bugling Merit Badge in an effort to keep bugling live. My music teacher was called up for the Korean War and went missing 70 years ago next month when his unit was overrun by the Chinese Communists. He never returned. As I have sounded Taps over the years, I remember SGT Gerry Scott who lives in an unknown grave somewhere in Korea. Several years ago, when my wife and I were visiting Korea, with the help of several Korean officers, a friend and declassified battle maps, we located the actual capture site, held a small memorial program with a small US and MIA Flag provided by Wreaths Across America. We buried a POW Medal in one of the old fighting positions accompanied by Taps by the Arlington Bugler on an I-phone. RIP: Gerry Scott.
There are words associates with Taps. I sang these every night in my evening prayer for the 7 months I hiked the Appalachian Trail to remember our war dead and missing.
Day is done, Gone the sun, From the fields, From the hills, From the sky, All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh!
There are words associates with Taps. I sang these every night in my evening prayer for the 7 months I hiked the Appalachian Trail to remember our war dead and missing.
Day is done, Gone the sun, From the fields, From the hills, From the sky, All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh!
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TAPS without a doubt. However, there are certainly times when I wish I were not hearing it.
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LTC Stephen F.
"Taps" performed in Arlington National Cemetery (summer and winter)
The buglers of The United States Army Band "Pershing's Own" perform over 5000 missions a year in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA. Featured here ...
Thank you for responding Capt (Join to see) that without a doubt that Taps is the most meaningful bugle call for you.
"Taps" performed in Arlington National Cemetery (summer and winter)
The buglers of The United States Army Band "Pershing's Own" perform over 5000 missions a year in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.
Featured here are SSG Jesse Tubb (summer) and SSG Drew Fremder (winter)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bfe4TxvUOiw
FYI LTC Stephen C. LTC Ivan Raiklin, Esq. Capt Seid Waddell Capt Tom Brown SFC William Farrell SSgt Robert Marx SSgt (Join to see) TSgt Joe C. SGT John " Mac " McConnell SP5 Mark Kuzinski SPC (Join to see) SrA Christopher Wright Maj Marty Hogan PO1 William "Chip" Nagel SP5 Robert Ruck SCPO Morris Ramsey SGT Michael Thorin SPC Margaret Higgins SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
"Taps" performed in Arlington National Cemetery (summer and winter)
The buglers of The United States Army Band "Pershing's Own" perform over 5000 missions a year in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.
Featured here are SSG Jesse Tubb (summer) and SSG Drew Fremder (winter)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bfe4TxvUOiw
FYI LTC Stephen C. LTC Ivan Raiklin, Esq. Capt Seid Waddell Capt Tom Brown SFC William Farrell SSgt Robert Marx SSgt (Join to see) TSgt Joe C. SGT John " Mac " McConnell SP5 Mark Kuzinski SPC (Join to see) SrA Christopher Wright Maj Marty Hogan PO1 William "Chip" Nagel SP5 Robert Ruck SCPO Morris Ramsey SGT Michael Thorin SPC Margaret Higgins SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
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SSG Robert "Rob" Wentworth
I agree 100% Capt. Porter.
In reflection, TAPS had so much more of a somber MEANING....
To me, it meant that during war time(And I was in during the Viet Nam Era) some soldier(s) possibly gave his (their)life(lives) across the world to keep Communism at bay, & to allow people to be free at least one day longer.
A huge price to pay, & many times America wondered why. I personally could not answer that question. For I was ready to go over & fight myself, if called upon.
In reflection, TAPS had so much more of a somber MEANING....
To me, it meant that during war time(And I was in during the Viet Nam Era) some soldier(s) possibly gave his (their)life(lives) across the world to keep Communism at bay, & to allow people to be free at least one day longer.
A huge price to pay, & many times America wondered why. I personally could not answer that question. For I was ready to go over & fight myself, if called upon.
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SMSgt Bob W.
The question got me to thinking. Personally, I don't care for it. The different branches of the military utilize the bugle calls for retreat. Most of the other calls are used based on the service branch. Yes, it is nostalgic and has special meaning; however, it needs to go the way of the horse and caisson. Funerals, OK; however, now at the last "military funeral" I attended, "Taps" came from a recording played from a "boom box".
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CMSgt James Nolan
Agree. Brings back the memories of Boot Camp. Dead quiet, and the echo of Reveille.
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SCPO Morris Ramsey
PO2 David Dunlap Sweepers, Sweepers , man your brooms, sweep down all lower decks, ladders and passageways, shine all topside brass,
Now Sweepers
Now Sweepers
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CWO4 Terrence Clark
Maj William W. 'Bill' Price A little reedy, but Yep! I'm laying down to the mess for midrats right now!
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They are all the same for me with the exception of Taps. Nothing harder than having to say goodbye to a brother or sister. If I never had to hear it again all the better, but I am sure I will hear it again.
The last time I heard it I was burying my Step-Father. Rest in peace TSGT Gary Fisher. The Air Force lost a good one that day.
The last time I heard it I was burying my Step-Father. Rest in peace TSGT Gary Fisher. The Air Force lost a good one that day.
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LTC Stephen F.
"Taps" performed in Arlington National Cemetery (summer and winter)
The buglers of The United States Army Band "Pershing's Own" perform over 5000 missions a year in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA. Featured here ...
I concur SGT William Howell. Taps is one of the most haunting sounds I have ever heard. No matter where I am in floods me with memories.
"Taps" performed in Arlington National Cemetery (summer and winter)
The buglers of The United States Army Band "Pershing's Own" perform over 5000 missions a year in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.
Featured here are SSG Jesse Tubb (summer) and SSG Drew Fremder (
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bfe4TxvUOiw
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. Maj William W. 'Bill' Price Capt Seid Waddell CW5 (Join to see) SMSgt Minister Gerald A. Thomas SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL SSgt (Join to see) SP5 Mark Kuzinski SGT John " Mac " McConnell SGT Robert George SP5 Robert Ruck SCPO Morris RamseyCPL Eric Escasio SPC (Join to see) SrA Christopher Wright SPC Margaret Higgins SGT Gregory Lawritson CPL Craig Cheltenham
"Taps" performed in Arlington National Cemetery (summer and winter)
The buglers of The United States Army Band "Pershing's Own" perform over 5000 missions a year in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.
Featured here are SSG Jesse Tubb (summer) and SSG Drew Fremder (
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bfe4TxvUOiw
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. Maj William W. 'Bill' Price Capt Seid Waddell CW5 (Join to see) SMSgt Minister Gerald A. Thomas SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL SSgt (Join to see) SP5 Mark Kuzinski SGT John " Mac " McConnell SGT Robert George SP5 Robert Ruck SCPO Morris RamseyCPL Eric Escasio SPC (Join to see) SrA Christopher Wright SPC Margaret Higgins SGT Gregory Lawritson CPL Craig Cheltenham
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LTC Stephen F.
Actually taps was a reworked bugle call by Federal Brigadier General Daniel Adams Butterfield PO2 David Dunlap that was developed in 1862. It was used over military burial services on the battlefront instead of the traditional volley firing of three rifle volleys over the grave because that could have caused the enemy to think they were being fired upon and to give an indication of where the burial party was.
Background:
"The origins of “Taps,” the distinctive bugle melody played at U.S. military funerals and memorials and as a lights-out signal to soldiers at night, date back to the American Civil War. In July 1862, U.S. [Brigadier] General Daniel Butterfield and his brigade were camped at Harrison’s Landing, Virginia, recuperating after the Seven Days Battles near Richmond. Dissatisfied with the standard bugle call employed by the Army to indicate to troops it was time to go to sleep, and thinking the call should sound more melodious, Butterfield reworked an existing bugle call used to signal the end of the day. After he had his brigade bugler, Private Oliver Wilcox Norton, play it for the men, buglers from other units became interested in the 24-note tune and it quickly spread throughout the Army, and even caught on with the Confederates.
Not long after Butterfield created “Taps,” it was played for the first time at a military funeral, for a Union cannoneer killed in action. The man’s commanding officer, Captain John Tidball, decided the bugle call would be safer than the traditional firing of three rifle volleys over the soldier’s grave, a move which couldn’t been confused by the nearby enemy as an attack. As for the name “Taps,” the most likely explanation is that it comes from the fact that prior to Butterfield’s bugle call, the lights-out call was followed by three drum beats, dubbed the “Drum Taps,” as well as “The Taps” and then simply “Taps.” When Butterfield’s call replaced the drum beats, soldiers referred to it as “Taps,” although this was an unofficial moniker, according to “Taps” historian and bugle expert Jari Villanueva. He notes that Butterfield’s bugle call was officially known as “Extinguish Lights” in American military manuals until 1891. Since that time, “Taps” also has been a formally recognized part of U.S. military funerals."
https://www.history.com/news/how-did-taps-originate
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. LTC Orlando Illi Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Maj William W. 'Bill' Price CPT Jack Durish Capt Tom Brown CMSgt (Join to see) MSG Andrew White SFC William Farrell SGT (Join to see) Sgt Albert Castro SSG David Andrews Sgt Randy Wilber Sgt John H. SGT Charles H. Hawes SGT Mark Halmrast SPC Margaret Higgins PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
Background:
"The origins of “Taps,” the distinctive bugle melody played at U.S. military funerals and memorials and as a lights-out signal to soldiers at night, date back to the American Civil War. In July 1862, U.S. [Brigadier] General Daniel Butterfield and his brigade were camped at Harrison’s Landing, Virginia, recuperating after the Seven Days Battles near Richmond. Dissatisfied with the standard bugle call employed by the Army to indicate to troops it was time to go to sleep, and thinking the call should sound more melodious, Butterfield reworked an existing bugle call used to signal the end of the day. After he had his brigade bugler, Private Oliver Wilcox Norton, play it for the men, buglers from other units became interested in the 24-note tune and it quickly spread throughout the Army, and even caught on with the Confederates.
Not long after Butterfield created “Taps,” it was played for the first time at a military funeral, for a Union cannoneer killed in action. The man’s commanding officer, Captain John Tidball, decided the bugle call would be safer than the traditional firing of three rifle volleys over the soldier’s grave, a move which couldn’t been confused by the nearby enemy as an attack. As for the name “Taps,” the most likely explanation is that it comes from the fact that prior to Butterfield’s bugle call, the lights-out call was followed by three drum beats, dubbed the “Drum Taps,” as well as “The Taps” and then simply “Taps.” When Butterfield’s call replaced the drum beats, soldiers referred to it as “Taps,” although this was an unofficial moniker, according to “Taps” historian and bugle expert Jari Villanueva. He notes that Butterfield’s bugle call was officially known as “Extinguish Lights” in American military manuals until 1891. Since that time, “Taps” also has been a formally recognized part of U.S. military funerals."
https://www.history.com/news/how-did-taps-originate
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. LTC Orlando Illi Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Maj William W. 'Bill' Price CPT Jack Durish Capt Tom Brown CMSgt (Join to see) MSG Andrew White SFC William Farrell SGT (Join to see) Sgt Albert Castro SSG David Andrews Sgt Randy Wilber Sgt John H. SGT Charles H. Hawes SGT Mark Halmrast SPC Margaret Higgins PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
The origins of “Taps,” the distinctive bugle melody played at U.S. military funerals and memorials and as a lights-out signal to soldiers ...
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SSgt Boyd Herrst
Condolences for your loss, SGT William Howell.. I just served on a V.F.W. /Am. Leg combined detail Friday the 29th of Mar ‘19 and again will serve on a detail on April 1, ‘19 .. it never ends brother. ..
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I have heard more bugle calls played that I can possible remember. The most I heard was when I was a cadet at West Point when I think every bugle call was played by actual buglers including the firing of one of the cannons on the plan at retreat. My favorite calls were tattoo and taps. Mess call was usually welcomed because it reminded me it was time to eat. Since I am a night person, First Call was not my favorite.
FYI ]SSG Diane R.LTC John GriscomSPC Andrew RossBrig Gen Jim JaegerSSG Donald H "Don" BatesSP5 Jerry MuchaSP6: Roy WiltSGT John MeredithMSgt John McGowanMSgt David M.LTC Jeff ShearerSGT Philip RoncariCPT Jim GallagherLt Col Jim Coe CWO3 Dennis M.SGT Carl BlasPO3 Bob McCord 1SG John MillanSSgt Boyd Herrst
FYI ]SSG Diane R.LTC John GriscomSPC Andrew RossBrig Gen Jim JaegerSSG Donald H "Don" BatesSP5 Jerry MuchaSP6: Roy WiltSGT John MeredithMSgt John McGowanMSgt David M.LTC Jeff ShearerSGT Philip RoncariCPT Jim GallagherLt Col Jim Coe CWO3 Dennis M.SGT Carl BlasPO3 Bob McCord 1SG John MillanSSgt Boyd Herrst
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SSgt Boyd Herrst
I can remember being at a local Army and Navy Surplus Store and seeing a bugle on a shelf... I bought it and took it home and prscticed some calls on it.; to the colors retreat, tattoo, call to quarters and others.. it took time to learn and eventually I did.. when I had that head injury accident in ‘77, I had to learn again.. I just couldn’t get the notes like I did as a kid.. nor the wind.. I get it out and try and s’times I can get a tattoo, not a very good one .. but just got to keep at it..
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SSgt Boyd Herrst
@PO2 David Dunlap; Iput a thin line of Vaseline on my lip.. I got the basic bugle calls learned in Boy Scouts and later in my AFJROTC Unit., I thought it was neat to have and be the live bugler in my AFJROTC Squadron.. The one call I had trouble with was chapel call.. So Chaplain didn't Get many in his congregation... Tattoo I could just ok on.. After my accident(head injury). I tried but it didn’t come out good.. just got to be Able to get notes from brain to lips.. gets lost in middle somewhere ..
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SSgt Boyd Herrst
Dave, a doc we had said he could get a salve that was $15 for a 4 Oz tube.. I read the ingredients .. one of them is petroleum jelly(Vaseline).
That’s ok Doc, i’ll Just use Vaseline..... didn’t cost much
Then ...1 lb jar for a $1.00..
That’s ok Doc, i’ll Just use Vaseline..... didn’t cost much
Then ...1 lb jar for a $1.00..
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Every Bugle call was welcomed by me. They reminded me that my life is part of that special 1% who are willing to Serve.
Especially when stopping & dismounting an automobile.
Wow... Reminiscing on the life we have is kinda cool. Thanks!
Especially when stopping & dismounting an automobile.
Wow... Reminiscing on the life we have is kinda cool. Thanks!
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Bugler sounding the Charge
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COL Sam Russell
Garry Owen (Fifes and drums; Fifres et tambours)/ Marche du 7e de cavalerie/ 7th cavalry march.
Ma chaîne d'histoire militaire: http://www.youtube.com/user/Histoiremilitaire Garry Owen est une vieille chanson irlandaise. Elle fut importée de l'autre côt...
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MSG Brad Sand
The Royal Scots Draggon Guards
COL Sam Russell
Fifes and drums are fine for keeping in step, but you still need the loud hours to pass messages. Bagpipes can do both, and after listening to them too closely, you are looking to kill someone or something. While the video does not do it justice, when you are near them, they will wake you up. Additionally, if they are in the distance and moving toward you, it will make your ears wonder what in the World is going on/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epLgvrYbdSg
Fifes and drums are fine for keeping in step, but you still need the loud hours to pass messages. Bagpipes can do both, and after listening to them too closely, you are looking to kill someone or something. While the video does not do it justice, when you are near them, they will wake you up. Additionally, if they are in the distance and moving toward you, it will make your ears wonder what in the World is going on/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epLgvrYbdSg
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LTC Stephen F.
"Taps" performed in Arlington National Cemetery (summer and winter)
The buglers of The United States Army Band "Pershing's Own" perform over 5000 missions a year in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA. Featured here ...
Thank you my friend CAPT Kevin B. for letting us know that the bugle call Taps is most poignant bugle call as well as the most painful.
I well remember hearing Taps played in honor of many comrades and arms at their funeral as well as announcement that they were killed.
"Taps" performed in Arlington National Cemetery (summer and winter)
The buglers of The United States Army Band "Pershing's Own" perform over 5000 missions a year in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.
Featured here are SSG Jesse Tubb (summer) and SSG Drew Fremder (
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bfe4TxvUOiw
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. Maj William W. 'Bill' Price Capt Seid Waddell CW5 (Join to see) SMSgt Minister Gerald A. Thomas SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL SSgt (Join to see) SP5 Mark Kuzinski SGT John " Mac " McConnell SGT Robert George SP5 Robert Ruck SCPO Morris RamseyCPL Eric Escasio SPC (Join to see) SrA Christopher Wright SPC Margaret Higgins SGT Gregory Lawritson CPL Craig Cheltenham
I well remember hearing Taps played in honor of many comrades and arms at their funeral as well as announcement that they were killed.
"Taps" performed in Arlington National Cemetery (summer and winter)
The buglers of The United States Army Band "Pershing's Own" perform over 5000 missions a year in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.
Featured here are SSG Jesse Tubb (summer) and SSG Drew Fremder (
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bfe4TxvUOiw
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. Maj William W. 'Bill' Price Capt Seid Waddell CW5 (Join to see) SMSgt Minister Gerald A. Thomas SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL SSgt (Join to see) SP5 Mark Kuzinski SGT John " Mac " McConnell SGT Robert George SP5 Robert Ruck SCPO Morris RamseyCPL Eric Escasio SPC (Join to see) SrA Christopher Wright SPC Margaret Higgins SGT Gregory Lawritson CPL Craig Cheltenham
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