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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As a Chaplain, I did not at first like hearing Taps because it unleashed a lot of emotion; but I began to see that this was a necessary part of the healing process. And it is a profound way of showing respect to departed veterans. I'm very grateful for Buglers Across America. Live Taps should be played if at all possible.
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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 CH (LTC) Robert Leroe. Well said and I certainly concur with you about Buglers Across America and playing taps whenever and wherever it is appropriate.
"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. 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 Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM 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 (winter)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bfe4TxvUOiw
FYI 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 Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM SGT Gregory Lawritson CPL Craig Cheltenham
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CH (LTC) Robert Leroe
I recite this poem at military funerals I conduct:
“I heard the sound of Taps one night, when everything was still; I listened to the bugler play, and felt a sudden chill. I wondered just how many times, Taps had meant “Amen” When a flag had covered a coffin, of a brother or a friend. I thought of all the children, of the mothers and the wives; Of fathers, sons and husbands—with interrupted lives. And I thought about the graveyard, at the bottom of the sea; Of unmarked graves at Arlington—No, Freedom is not Free.”
“I heard the sound of Taps one night, when everything was still; I listened to the bugler play, and felt a sudden chill. I wondered just how many times, Taps had meant “Amen” When a flag had covered a coffin, of a brother or a friend. I thought of all the children, of the mothers and the wives; Of fathers, sons and husbands—with interrupted lives. And I thought about the graveyard, at the bottom of the sea; Of unmarked graves at Arlington—No, Freedom is not Free.”
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Colors in the morning. Because the morning always brings us hope with the sunrise, of a new day to do our best, as we forgive ourselves of our shortcomings of yesterday, as we strive to be better people with a new day. We are people of the morning sun, of the risen sun. Colors calls us to remember the promise of a new day!
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I find TAPS to be cathartic. I enjoy all our military bugle calls though.
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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 Lt Col Charlie Brown that Taps is the most cathartic 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 COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. LTC Wayne Brandon Maj William W. 'Bill' Price Capt Seid Waddell Capt Tom Brown 1stSgt Eugene Harless SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL SFC William Farrell SSgt Robert Marx TSgt Joe C. SGT John " Mac " McConnell SP5 Robert Ruck SP5 Mark Kuzinski SrA Christopher Wright SGT Robert George CPL Eric Escasio MSG Andrew White SGT (Join to see)
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 COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. LTC Wayne Brandon Maj William W. 'Bill' Price Capt Seid Waddell Capt Tom Brown 1stSgt Eugene Harless SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL SFC William Farrell SSgt Robert Marx TSgt Joe C. SGT John " Mac " McConnell SP5 Robert Ruck SP5 Mark Kuzinski SrA Christopher Wright SGT Robert George CPL Eric Escasio MSG Andrew White SGT (Join to see)
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CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025
LTC John Shaw Colonel, troops in training units always responded well to my Whistle, Thunderer and my size 14 boots forcefully stomping the floors of the old wooden barracks!
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LTC John Shaw
CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025 - With a 14 size boot they probably didn't want it on their arse.
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LTC Stephen F.
Andrews Sisters Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy
A clip from Buck Privates from my VHS Tapes file. I do not own the rights, but love the movie.
Since you mentioned it Capt Dwayne Conyers here is the classic Andrews Sisters performing Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy as they entertain the troops
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8of3uhG1tCI
FYI CPT Don KempSFC Greg Bruorton CPT (Join to see) 1stSgt Eugene Harless MSgt Ken "Airsoldier" Collins-Hardy 1SG Carl McAndrews SPC Douglas Bolton Debbie Pomeroy Cloud Kathlean KeeslerSGT Tim Fridley (Join to see) Michael Horne SSG David Andrews Sgt John H. Sgt David G Duchesneau SGT Mark Halmrast CW5 Jack Cardwell Cynthia Croft
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8of3uhG1tCI
FYI CPT Don KempSFC Greg Bruorton CPT (Join to see) 1stSgt Eugene Harless MSgt Ken "Airsoldier" Collins-Hardy 1SG Carl McAndrews SPC Douglas Bolton Debbie Pomeroy Cloud Kathlean KeeslerSGT Tim Fridley (Join to see) Michael Horne SSG David Andrews Sgt John H. Sgt David G Duchesneau SGT Mark Halmrast CW5 Jack Cardwell Cynthia Croft
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Retreat was my favorite. The picture was taken just after retreat was called as I had been walking across the compound.
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LTC Stephen F.
Bugler plays "Retreat" for the nation.
Thank you for responding, my friend SSG Donald H "Don" Bates and sharing an image of yourself as SSG after retreat was called.
Retreat certainly brings back memories for me from Fort Campbell in 1975, Fort Monmouth [1975-1976], USMA, West Point [1976-1980], Fort Benning [1980, 1984-1989] and the Washington, DC area installations since.
I always prefer a bugle call when a single bugler plays and the area is free of noise.
Lone Bugler plays "Retreat" for the nation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fgDxAASI_c
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. LTC (Join to see) Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen Lt Col Charlie Brown Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Maj William W. 'Bill' Price Maj Marty Hogan SCPO Morris Ramsey SSG John Ross SGT Mark Halmrast Sgt Randy Wilber Sgt John H. SGT Gregory Lawritson CPL Dave Hoover SPC Margaret Higgins SrA Christopher Wright Cpl Gabriel F. Cpl Scott McCarroll
Retreat certainly brings back memories for me from Fort Campbell in 1975, Fort Monmouth [1975-1976], USMA, West Point [1976-1980], Fort Benning [1980, 1984-1989] and the Washington, DC area installations since.
I always prefer a bugle call when a single bugler plays and the area is free of noise.
Lone Bugler plays "Retreat" for the nation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fgDxAASI_c
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. LTC (Join to see) Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen Lt Col Charlie Brown Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Maj William W. 'Bill' Price Maj Marty Hogan SCPO Morris Ramsey SSG John Ross SGT Mark Halmrast Sgt Randy Wilber Sgt John H. SGT Gregory Lawritson CPL Dave Hoover SPC Margaret Higgins SrA Christopher Wright Cpl Gabriel F. Cpl Scott McCarroll
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LTC Stephen F.
I made this video..first one...Please show respect to those that have fallen Thanks everyone for watching and commenting this video Thanks everyone for havin...
Thank you for responding my friend SPC Margaret Higgins that Taps is also your favorite bugle call.
Military Taps
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wn_iz8z2AGw
Posted by the person who made this "I made this video...first one...Please show respect to those that have fallen"
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 WrightKim Bolen RN CCM ACM SGT Gregory Lawritson CPL Craig Cheltenham
Military Taps
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wn_iz8z2AGw
Posted by the person who made this "I made this video...first one...Please show respect to those that have fallen"
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 WrightKim Bolen RN CCM ACM SGT Gregory Lawritson CPL Craig Cheltenham
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SPC Margaret Higgins
LTC Stephen F. - Steve, I was more than moved. My heart is fairly crying out. I started to cry; and, was crying. Thank you my dear friend, Steve. -Margaret
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SPC Margaret Higgins
LTC Stephen F. - GOD Bless the fallen: each and everyone of you. You are each in my Heart, in my Soul, and, in my mind. I Love you all.
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Sounds of the Bosun's Call - 2010 Sea Scout Manual, 11th ed. Video 2
Mate Wayne Stacey of SS Ship 198 Eagle Milton, Delaware LCDR USCG Ret. explains and demonstrates the four basic sounds made by the bosun's call. There are ma...
I'm a Sailor, We Use Bells and Whistles. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tn8gASbAxkA
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LTC Stephen F.
Thank you my friend PO1 William "Chip" Nagel for sharing the Sounds of the Bosun's Call - 2010 Sea Scout Manual,
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. LTC Orlando Illi LTC (Join to see) LTC Ivan Raiklin, Esq. Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Maj William W. 'Bill' Price Capt Seid Waddell Capt Jeff S. CPT Jack Durish MSgt Robert C Aldi SFC Stephen King MSgt Danny Hope SGT Gregory Lawritson Cpl Craig Marton SP5 Mark Kuzinski SGT (Join to see) Maj Marty Hogan
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. LTC Orlando Illi LTC (Join to see) LTC Ivan Raiklin, Esq. Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Maj William W. 'Bill' Price Capt Seid Waddell Capt Jeff S. CPT Jack Durish MSgt Robert C Aldi SFC Stephen King MSgt Danny Hope SGT Gregory Lawritson Cpl Craig Marton SP5 Mark Kuzinski SGT (Join to see) Maj Marty Hogan
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I love being on a military base, and as the night goes quiet, hearing Taps. One of the things that I miss from Active Duty time.
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