“Taps,” the iconic and solemn bugle call
The Legacy
“Taps” traces its origins to a moment of reflection during the Civil War. In July 1862, Union General Daniel Butterfield, stationed near Harrison’s Landing in Virginia, sought a more melodic and fitting signal to end the day for his troops. Dissatisfied with the traditional bugle call for “lights out,” Butterfield worked with his brigade bugler, Oliver Willcox Norton, to refine the tune. Together, they crafted the now-familiar 24-note melody that captures both simplicity and profound emotion. The new call was first played that evening, and it immediately resonated with soldiers in Butterfield’s brigade.
The Funeral Tradition
A Time Honoring Legacy
Shortly thereafter, “Taps” found its place in military funerals under unique and poignant circumstances. One of the earliest recorded instances involved Union Captain John Tidball, who was stationed near a battlefield. A member of his unit had died, and Tidball wanted to honor him with a burial ceremony. The traditional three-rifle volley was considered too risky, as it could alert nearby Confederate forces and provoke an attack. Instead, Tidball instructed his bugler to play “Taps.” The mournful melody echoed through the camp, moving all who heard it and marking the beginning of “Taps” as a funeral tradition.
1874
Becoming Official
Over time, “Taps” was officially adopted by the U.S. Army and Navy as a standard part of military funerals and memorials. It was made an official bugle call in 1874, cementing its role in ceremonies honoring the fallen. The tune’s simplicity—just 24 notes—belies the depth of its impact. Played without words, it speaks volumes about sacrifice, loss, and gratitude, making it a universal symbol of respect for those who have served.
Taps during WW1
Shared Humanity
One particularly notable moment in the history of “Taps” occurred during World War I. The haunting call was played by an American bugler as soldiers from both sides paused their fighting to observe the burial of a fallen soldier. For a brief moment, the melody transcended the horrors of war, bringing a sense of shared humanity to the battlefield.
TODAY
Dignity and Honor
Today, “Taps” is heard at over 5,000 military funerals each year, as well as during national memorial ceremonies. Its legacy continues to remind us of the sacrifices made by those who served, ensuring that their memory lives on with dignity and honor.