Posted on Nov 16, 2015
LTC Stephen F.
LTC LTC Stephen F.
95.5K
2.29K
361
215
215
0
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/
Posted in these groups: Usma logo United States Military Academy (USMA West Point)Cf1cbe80 TroopsRespect logo RespectF811e08a Music
Edited >1 y ago
Posted 10 y ago
Avatar feed
See Results
Responses: 126
SGT Tomas "Huey" Husted
4
4
0
SGT
Posted 5 y ago
Taps was not a favorite but it stopped me in my tracks, I generally knew for who Taps was played for. It was another chance to reflect on that person, friend, and fellow soldier. Taps were also known to make me shed a tear.
(4)
Comment
(0)
LTC Stephen F.
LTC Stephen F.
>1 y

Taps The Bugler's Cry-The Origin of Sounding Taps

The Bugler's Cry-The Origin of Sounding Taps. Taps Historian and bugler Jari Villanueva explains the origins of America's most famous bugle call. More inform...

Thank you my friend SGT Tomas "Huey" Husted for responding and making us aware that although Taps in not your favorite bugle call it brings you to a stop whenever you hear it sounded.
FYI 1LT Peter Duston SFC William Farrell CSM Chuck Stafford SFC Chuck Martinez MSG Andrew White MAJ Dale E. Wilson, Ph.D. Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. MAJ Ken Landgren COL Mikel J. Burroughs SPC Michael Duricko, Ph.D LTC John Shaw SPC Michael Terrell SSG Franklin Briant PO1 William "Chip" Nagel Sgt John H. PO3 Phyllis Maynard SPC Diana D. Sgt (Join to see)


Taps The Bugler's Cry-The Origin of Sounding Taps
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nhtr5J00ntA
(4)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
1SG Steven Imerman
4
4
0
1SG
Posted 5 y ago
Retreat was my favorite. Time to wind the day down and go home.
(4)
Comment
(0)
LTC Stephen F.
(4)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
LT Michael Watson
4
4
0
LT
Posted 5 y ago
Like so many others, Taps holds a special place for us all. Whether we have lost a brother or sister, stood by a young widow as our best friend was laid to rest, or just the thought of an end to the day, it is that special memory.

Beyond that, “To the Colors” that marks the official start of the day, and “ Call to Quarters/ Battle Stations”
(4)
Comment
(0)
LTC Stephen F.
(3)
Reply
(0)
LTC Stephen F.
(2)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
Sgt William Hodges
4
4
0
Sgt
Posted 5 y ago

Assembly - Bugle Call

Assembly - Bugle Call Thanks to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czHqZFL7rKY

Assembly, My radio show starts with it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gj3c5rHiRxM
(4)
Comment
(0)
LTC Stephen F.
LTC Stephen F.
5 y

Spotlight on Government: Janet Cruz Rifkin, Florida State Senator

Hosted by Bill Hodges "Spotlight on Government" features in-depth interviews with local elected officials and other community leaders.

Thank you my friend Sgt William Hodges for responding and making us aware that the Bugle call Assembly is the recording you use to open your radio show.
Thanks as well for posting the recording of Assembly and sharing the link to a podcast.
Your "show airs on radio on WSCQ FM 96.3 and three other stations—WKOT FM 102.1, WPHX FM 101.9 and WYPW FM 90.1 and can be downloaded as the Veterans Corner Radio as a podcast.'

Spotlight on Government: Janet Cruz Rifkin, Florida State Senator
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=op5HW2Fz2qo

Fyi COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Greg Henning PO1 William "Chip" Nagel PO3 Phyllis Maynard CW5 Jack Cardwell LTC John Shaw SMSgt Lawrence McCarter SMSgt David A Asbury MSgt David Hoffman SPC Nancy Greene SPC Matthew Lamb PFC Rick Schuetz PVT Mark Zehner
(1)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
Sgt William Hodges
4
4
0
Sgt
Posted 5 y ago
My radio show begins with the Assembly call.
(4)
Comment
(0)
LTC Stephen F.
LTC Stephen F.
5 y

Spotlight on Government: Louise Thompson, TBCN

Hosted by Bill Hodges "Spotlight on Government" features in-depth interviews with local elected officials and other community leaders.

Thank you my friend Sgt William Hodges for responding and letting us know that the Bugle call Assembly is the recording you use to open your radio show. Spotlight on Government
Your "show airs on radio on WSCQ FM 96.3 and three other stations—WKOT FM 102.1, WPHX FM 101.9 and WYPW FM 90.1 and can be downloaded as the Veterans Corner Radio as a podcast.


Spotlight on Government: Louise Thompson, TBCN
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44ZHwa2Us1o


FYI Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen SSG John Bacon cmsgt-rickey-denicke MAJ Gilbert Doan COL T.J. Farrell LCpl Donald Faucett SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA LTC Jay Hicks SGT Steve McFarland CMSgt (Join to see) MSG Charles Perkins SGT (Join to see) SGM Earl Richburg CPT Richard Riley SGT Damaso V Santana CPT Scott Sharon LT Ed Skiba SGM Gregory Tarancon IV COL David Teeples
(1)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
Jennifer Lee (Doerflinger) Hill
4
4
0
Not being a morning person, reveille tended to come as a shock, but I still love the sound, although TAPS is my favorite. I'm not up on any other bugle calls, unfortunately.
(4)
Comment
(0)
LTC Stephen F.
LTC Stephen F.
6 y

Taps The Bugler's Cry-The Origin of Sounding Taps

Visit and Like https://www.facebook.com/TapsForVeterans TAPS FOR VETERANS-providing live buglers for military funerals The Bugler's Cry-The Origin of Soundin...

Thank you, my friend Jennifer Lee (Doerflinger) Hill for making us aware that Taps is your favorite [honorable mention for Reveille since you are not a morning person :-)
As you are probably aware, Taps was originally used to honor war dead.

Taps The Bugler's Cry-The Origin of Sounding Taps
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nhtr5J00ntA

FYI SGT John Melvin1SG John FairclothSSG Robert Mark OdomSP5 Jesse EngelSPC Matthew LambSSG Robert "Rob" WentworthCapt Rich BuckleyCW4 G.L. SmithSPC Russ BoltonSFC Terry WilcoxSPC Nancy GreeneSSG Franklin Briant1stsgt Glenn BrackinSP6 Stephen RogersonSSgt Corwin WhickerCPT Paul Whitmer1SG Steven ImermanSSG Samuel KermonSSG Michael Noll
(2)
Reply
(0)
LTC Stephen F.
(2)
Reply
(0)
Jennifer Lee (Doerflinger) Hill
Jennifer Lee (Doerflinger) Hill
6 y
LTC Stephen F. yes, sir! In fact, I posted about its origin, recently. The story is wonderful, with recycling part of another, outdated call, to becoming the last call as we are laid to rest. ☺
(2)
Reply
(0)
1LT Peter Duston
1LT Peter Duston
5 y
Af0e583b
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!
Edit
(1)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
MAJ Project Manager
4
4
0
MAJ
Posted >1 y ago
Taps has always been my favorite for several reasons...One I have played "Taps" on my Trumpet(s) for military funerals, I can't even count how many times, and also for "The Fallen Comrade Ceremony" at military balls and special functions...when I play it well ...it nearly always brings out emotions, even in the most disciplined of military men and women...We reflect on those who have paid the ultimate price...

Now today... they have a Pre-Programmed Electronic Bugle which anyone in the Funeral Detail can be the Bugler...I did play on an actual Bugle when I was in the Boy Scouts, but not for long...I always play on my Trumpet(s)...Sounds better...(unless you are that Guy or Gal that screws it up) ...You don't want to be that player...especially if you were in the Army Band...

I was never in the Army Band, although I have played with them from time to time...and one of my WTU Soldiers was a Trumpet Bandsmen and mentored/instructed/taught me while he was in recovery (From a TBI-Neurological Event)...He rehabbed and re-auditioned and re-entered the Army Band...I continued to have him as an instructor until I PCS'd...Last time I chatted with him, he was an SFC and getting close to Retirement...Just shows you that you can be mentored by anyone and learn....Sorry I digressed...

Oooo it's time for RETREAT.....Gotta get out of the car!
(4)
Comment
(0)
LTC Stephen F.
LTC Stephen F.
>1 y

"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 MAJ (Join to see) and making us aware that you have played "Taps" on your Trumpet(s) for military funerals for many funerals.
Do you a recording you would be willing to share?

Here is "Taps" performed in Arlington National Cemetery (summer and winter) performed by a lone bugler of The United States Army Band "Pershing's Own"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bfe4TxvUOiw

FYI 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 SFC William Farrell SGT Mark Halmrast Sgt Randy Wilber Sgt John H. SGT Gregory Lawritson CPL Dave Hoover SPC Margaret Higgins SSgt Brian Brakke 1stSgt Eugene Harless SSG William Jones SSG Diane R.
(3)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
SSG Byron Hewett
3
3
0
SSG
Posted 4 y ago
all of them 80)
(3)
Comment
(0)
LTC Stephen F.
LTC Stephen F.
4 y

Bugle Calls : Every bugle call

NEW CHANNEL : http://YOUTUBE.COM/RYANTHOMASTVbugle calls: A bugle call is a short tune, originating as a military signal announcing scheduled and certain non...

Thank you my friend SSG Byron Hewett for making us aware that you enjoy all bugle calls.
Bugle Calls : Every bugle call
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7igso5_MBE

FYI 1LT Peter Duston MGySgt (Join to see)CSM Bruce TregoPO3 Lynn SpaldingSgt John H.SSG Franklin BriantPVT Mark ZehnerCPT (Join to see)SMSgt Tom BurnsSMSgt Mark VenzeioSP5 Gary Nelson1sg Jason HastingsMGySgt (Join to see)Kate Watson CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025CSM Chuck Stafford SFC Chuck MartinezPFC Craig Karshner SFC (Join to see)
(1)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
1LT Voyle Smith
3
3
0
1LT
Posted 4 y ago
D316f34
B9ad51b
I was Corps Bugler at Texas A&M in 1961-‘62 and blew nine calls each day M-F for which I was paid $40 per month by the college (the school was them known as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas and MG Earl Rudder was college president. MG Rudder had served in the Army in WW2 and on D-Day in 1944 he led his 2Bn 75 Infantry Regiment in scaling the cliffs at Point du Hoc overlooking Omaha and Utah Beaches on the Normandy coast. MG Rudder received the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions that day, in addition to the Purple Heart for being wounded twice by Nazi gunners as he scaled the cliffs. I was privileged to shake his hand one Saturday at morning drill. It was an honor to meet him and hear him speak to the assembled Corps of Cadets.
(3)
Comment
(0)
LTC Stephen F.
LTC Stephen F.
4 y

Rangers at Pointe du Hoc: The Real Story

Film made for National History Day. Editing done by myself. Smithsonian Network video used with permission.

Thank you my friend 1LT Voyle Smith for responding and making us aware that you were 'Corps Bugler at Texas A&M in 1961-‘62 and blew nine calls each day M-F for which I was paid $40 per month by the college (the school was them known as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas and MG Earl Rudder was college president.'

Rangers at Pointe du Hoc: The Real Story
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEsTK6iV2RA

FYI SGT John " Mac " McConnell SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth SGT (Join to see) MAJ Dale E. Wilson, Ph.D. GySgt Jack WallaceSSG Bill McCoySGT Mary G.SSG Edward TiltonPFC David FosterSGT (Join to see)PFC Craig Karshner SPC Michael Duricko, Ph.D SPC Michael Duricko, Ph.D LTC John Shaw SGT Randell Rose LTC John Mohor 1st Lt Padre Dave Poedel 1SG Joseph Dartey
(1)
Reply
(0)
SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth
SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth
4 y
LTC Stephen F. - My favorite is revele.
(2)
Reply
(0)
1LT Voyle Smith
1LT Voyle Smith
4 y
The tune is: “I can’t get ‘em up, can’t get ‘em up, can’t get ‘em up in the morning, Can’t get ‘em today 32600:SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth]. “Kick ‘em, Kick ‘em, Kick ‘em, harder, they’ve gotta get up right now. If I can’t get ‘em up this morning, my ass will be grass today.”
(2)
Reply
(0)
1LT Peter Duston
1LT Peter Duston
4 y
I was privileged to participate in the 75th anniversary of the Rangers at Pointe du Hoc with a flyover and a platoon of Rangers flown in for the event. I later sounded Taps on the cliff bunker. Awe inspiring !
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
LT Michael Watson
3
3
0
LT
Posted 5 y ago
Funny how as time passes, we miss those things that were so familiar to our daily lives in another lifetime. I make a point to play the calls on special days in my neighborhood, easy as I am the one who holds the keys to the neighborhood flagpole
(3)
Comment
(0)
show previous comments  
LT Michael Watson
LT Michael Watson
5 y
Thank you 1LT Peter Dunston for “correcting “ our word. I will direct my phone and speaker system to “sound” the appropriate calls, hoping that the embedded AI has the sense to interpret the distinction.1LT Peter Duston
(1)
Reply
(0)
LT Michael Watson
LT Michael Watson
5 y
Some of my neighbors are veterans and respond accordingly. Others have a predisposition to complain about anything LTC Stephen F.
(2)
Reply
(0)
LTC Stephen F.
LTC Stephen F.
5 y
I looked at my original post to see if I mentioned song, my friend 1LT Peter Duston. I mentioned bugle calls. I had the privilege of hearing actual bugle players sounding bugle calls every day as a USMA cadet [1976-1980].
Later on in my military career, on many posts, a recording of a bugle call was played to imitate the sounding of the call. Fort Myer still has an actual bugler sounding bugle calls
FYI LT Michael Watson
(1)
Reply
(0)
1LT Peter Duston
1LT Peter Duston
5 y
32a1eb94
There were actually a number of RP conversations regarding Bugle Calls. At 82, I can't always follow the correct way to respond and follow the site and am often confused. If you are somehow "miffed", it was confusion on my part. I don't recall that USMA had a live bugler when I was "Top" for Beast and Intersession in 96-98 but I had the honor of sounding Taps at the cemetery. When my wife and I travel, I usually bring my bugle and try to visit all the National Cemeteries and sound Taps. We have visited most of the European American Cemeteries in our travels during our twice a year Space-A trips to Ramstein where I sound Taps and say a prayer for our dead in those hallowed grounds. BTW! Did I tell you that I retired from the Army Reserve at USMA during Military Intersession in 1999 - a great sendoff from the Commandant. I don't believe you had Intersession when you were there. It's a two week intensive military training period between the semesters in January. I was the senior instructor for 125 officer and NCO reserve instructors conducting classes. It doesn't seem like 21 years ago since I'm still wearing my uniform on a sustained basis for funerals and special events. I had a grand time finishing off my army career there!
(1)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
Read This Next
RallyPoint Home

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.

Log In
© RallyPoint Networks, Inc 2025

RallyPoint is not affiliated with DoD
close

Welcome to RallyPoint!

Terms of Service | Privacy Policy I'm a civilian Supporter