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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LTC Stephen F., Reveille, Retreat, To the Colors and Taps are still played at Fort McClellan, AL. I agree with SFC (Join to see), SGT William Howell and CAPT Kevin B. regarding Taps. It's almost impossible to not be reflective when Taps is sounded.
However, I've always enjoyed participating in and listening to a retreat ceremony. Many forget that there are two bugle calls associated with the ceremony. The first call is Retreat with the formed unit at parade rest. The flag is actually lowered while To the Colors is sounded, with the unit at attention and present arms.
https://www.army.mil/article/104319/retreat_ceremony_more_than_music
However, I've always enjoyed participating in and listening to a retreat ceremony. Many forget that there are two bugle calls associated with the ceremony. The first call is Retreat with the formed unit at parade rest. The flag is actually lowered while To the Colors is sounded, with the unit at attention and present arms.
https://www.army.mil/article/104319/retreat_ceremony_more_than_music
'Retreat' ceremony more than music
Though the practice of observing 'Retreat' differs between communities, all should respect this tradition
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Reveille is a favorite. But I Love TAPS the most! I was in Basic Training when I first heard it played.
I pray it was not a recording. I really thought it was real. (By the way, LTC Stephen F. what does Tattoo mean?
I pray it was not a recording. I really thought it was real. (By the way, LTC Stephen F. what does Tattoo mean?
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LTC Stephen F.
SPC Margaret Higgins Tattoo "signals that all light in squad rooms be extinguished and that all loud talking and other disturbances be discontinued within 15 minutes."
The purpose of each bugle call is available at the hyperlink at the top of this discussion
The purpose of each bugle call is available at the hyperlink at the top of this discussion
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SSG Richard Hackwith
I was stationed at Fort Irwin in 1967 and they played every bugle call during the course of the day. Including police call, work call, recall, mess call, etc. About the only thing missing was boots and saddles and charge.
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LTC Stephen F.
SFC Denver Dill plays Reveille on the bugle as the flag is raised on West Point on November 10, 2011.
Thank you responding SPC Lisa Traylor that your favorite Bugle calls at the end of the day [Taps} and the beginning of the day [Reveille]
Here is Reveille being played by a SFC Denver Dill at my Alma Mater as the flag is raised on West Point on November 10, 2011.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ft2WqkvIhXY
FYI Maj Robert Thornton CPT Scott SharonSFC Greg Bruorton SFC Michael Young 1stSgt Eugene Harless MSgt Ken "Airsoldier" Collins-Hardy 1SG Carl McAndrews SPC Douglas Bolton Debbie Pomeroy Cloud Kathlean KeeslerSGT Tim Fridley (Join to see) SSG David Andrews Sgt John H. SGT Mark Halmrast CW5 Jack Cardwell Cynthia Croft Sgt Vance Bonds SSgt Brian Brakke
Here is Reveille being played by a SFC Denver Dill at my Alma Mater as the flag is raised on West Point on November 10, 2011.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ft2WqkvIhXY
FYI Maj Robert Thornton CPT Scott SharonSFC Greg Bruorton SFC Michael Young 1stSgt Eugene Harless MSgt Ken "Airsoldier" Collins-Hardy 1SG Carl McAndrews SPC Douglas Bolton Debbie Pomeroy Cloud Kathlean KeeslerSGT Tim Fridley (Join to see) SSG David Andrews Sgt John H. SGT Mark Halmrast CW5 Jack Cardwell Cynthia Croft Sgt Vance Bonds SSgt Brian Brakke
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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 ...
Here is "Taps" SPC Lisa Traylor 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 CAPT Bob Bechill LCDR Gordon Brown LT John Chang CDR Thomas Gatliffe CDR (Join to see) PO3 John Wagner PO2 (Join to see) TSgt Randal Groover PO3 (Join to see) CPO (Join to see) LCDR (Join to see) SCPO Del Wolverton FN George Woodruff SN Greg Wright PO3 Michael James CMC Robert Young PO3 Galon Miller SN John McCormack PO2 Tim Zeman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bfe4TxvUOiw
FYI CAPT Bob Bechill LCDR Gordon Brown LT John Chang CDR Thomas Gatliffe CDR (Join to see) PO3 John Wagner PO2 (Join to see) TSgt Randal Groover PO3 (Join to see) CPO (Join to see) LCDR (Join to see) SCPO Del Wolverton FN George Woodruff SN Greg Wright PO3 Michael James CMC Robert Young PO3 Galon Miller SN John McCormack PO2 Tim Zeman
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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 SPC Lisa Traylor here is the classic Andrews Sisters performing Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy as they entertain the troops
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8of3uhG1tCI
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 Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM SGT Gregory Lawritson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8of3uhG1tCI
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 Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM SGT Gregory Lawritson
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I remember being on base and no matter what else was happening when that bugle stared to play, everything stopped till it was done and over! Like the playing of reveille or taps.
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LTC Stephen F.
evening colors at NAS Pensacola
Thank you for responding PO3 Gary Godby and describing how retreat and to the colors impacted base life.
US Navy Evening Colors at NAS Pensacola
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97shzKWLQfw
FYI 1SG John MillanSSgt Boyd Herrst TSgt Rodney BidingerSGT Jim ArnoldSFC Randy PurhamCDR (Join to see) MSG Brian Ross PO3 Phyllis MaynardCPT Don KempSSgt Gary AndrewsSFC Greg Bruorton CPT (Join to see)po3-christian-tomasitisMSgt Ken "Airsoldier" Collins-Hardy
US Navy Evening Colors at NAS Pensacola
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97shzKWLQfw
FYI 1SG John MillanSSgt Boyd Herrst TSgt Rodney BidingerSGT Jim ArnoldSFC Randy PurhamCDR (Join to see) MSG Brian Ross PO3 Phyllis MaynardCPT Don KempSSgt Gary AndrewsSFC Greg Bruorton CPT (Join to see)po3-christian-tomasitisMSgt Ken "Airsoldier" Collins-Hardy
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"Retreat" and "To The Colors" - When I was stationed in Italy, this was used in lieu of other bugle calls for some reason ( I don't recall ever hearing the National Anthem or Taps), but its liveliness always made me very proud.
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LTC Stephen F.
Thank you for responding CPL Andy Wolf and sharing your memories of when you were assigned in Italy.
Did they use "Retreat" and "To The Colors" for raising the National Colors and lowering them.
Here is Retreat and To the Colors
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmJMLAGU9Nc
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
Did they use "Retreat" and "To The Colors" for raising the National Colors and lowering them.
Here is Retreat and To the Colors
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmJMLAGU9Nc
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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Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen
This rreminded me that when I was in Turkey on a Turkish base they played their equivalent of Retreat and To the Colors every day. It was played out on loudspeakers all over the base and sounded like a bugle.
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As a former Cadet at Bordentown military Institute, Bordentown, NJ from 0600 to 2200 the activities of the day were all signaled by bugle calls played over a campus wide speaker system. The bugle calls helped add as an audible time system for the days activities, 1st call You had five minutes to be somewhere, 2nd You were either there or late which meant One hour of Penalty tours in Your free time. Miss the formation or activity that was 5 hours of penalty tours. We were very familiar with what each bugle call was played for. To this day I've always made it a point to not only be on time for everything but early. The bugle calls then actually told You what the activity was and it became second nature to respond and know the different calls. Hearing to the Colors or the National Anthem still means a lot to me, perhaps that is My favorite !
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LTC Stephen F.
Thank you for responding, my friend SMSgt Lawrence McCarter and sharing your experience at Bordentown military Institute, Bordentown, NJ.
Your experience is similar to my experience as a cadet at USMA, West Point [July 3, 1976 to May 28. 1980]
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
Your experience is similar to my experience as a cadet at USMA, West Point [July 3, 1976 to May 28. 1980]
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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Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen
Can attest to that as well. I was in the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets (1964 - 1968) and your entire life centered around those bugle calls.
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Great question. I've heard Retreat more than others. My wife and I were just talking about the practice of stopping your vehicle, exiting it, and saluting when Retreat is played. But Taps is the saddest and is the epitome of the call to service that our Military obeys.
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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 CPT Don Kemp ands letti9ng us know that you were just discussing with your wife "about the practice of stopping your vehicle, exiting it, and saluting when Retreat is played."
I concur with you that "Taps is the saddest and is the epitome of the call to service"
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. LTC Orlando Illi Lt Col Charlie Brown Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Maj William W. 'Bill' Price CPT Jack Durish Capt Tom Brown MSG Andrew White SFC William Farrell SGT (Join to see) Sgt Albert Castro SSG David Andrews Sgt Randy Wilber Sgt John H. CPL Dave Hoover SGT Mark Halmrast SPC Margaret Higgins SrA Christopher Wright
I concur with you that "Taps is the saddest and is the epitome of the call to service"
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. LTC Orlando Illi Lt Col Charlie Brown Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Maj William W. 'Bill' Price CPT Jack Durish Capt Tom Brown MSG Andrew White SFC William Farrell SGT (Join to see) Sgt Albert Castro SSG David Andrews Sgt Randy Wilber Sgt John H. CPL Dave Hoover SGT Mark Halmrast SPC Margaret Higgins SrA Christopher Wright
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