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

I can't listen to taps without tearing up just a little bit

My father was a Marine in the Korean War. We laid him down to rest today. When they played Taps, there was a special feeling in my heart ❤️ Rest In Peace. Dad, thank you for your service. 🇺🇲

"Instantly recognised after the first three notes" I recognised it. I am british, born and raised in the land of scotland. I am not american. I have no american relatives. No connections. And yet still i found my self crying, after the first three notes. Such an emotional song. You do not have to be american, to respect their troops. The same goes for any country's military.

I am not American born, but i was raised in America and this song has always got to me more than my country where i was born. SALUTE TO ALL AMERICAN SOLDIERS.

When I was a young girl I was a trumpet player in my band. 13 yrs I played. For several years my Mom would volunteer me to play on Memorial Day. It was such an amazing honor.

Day is...done gone...the sun' from the hills from the sea from the sky rest in peace soldier boy God is nigh

Still made me tear up a little at the end. Never fails.

Last year my grandfather was buried in a veterans cemetery. And we saw Him in march 2014 there was two rather large plots plots next to him at that time. When we came back on Memorial Day those two plots were filled with rows upon rows of headstones. It never really hit me how many brave veterans we lose until you actually see it.

Taps is a foreign language for most of us here I think. Here in New Zealand, we have "The Last Post". They're both used for a similar purpose. Not a terribly difficult piece of music, but it always brings out performance anxiety in even the most skilled of players, mostly because of what and who they're representing whilst playing it.

I am a bugler myself, and Taps is the hardest call to play for me. Every time I start, the emotion is almost overwhelming.

Thank you for what you do. I worked nights aboard ship, while we were at sea, and hearing TAPS in the evening gave me a sense of pride knowing that I was one of the sailors on watch while my shipmates rested, knowing that they were being looked after. I've listened to it intently countless times, including my father's funeral, and that of my uncle's (Dad's brother) who was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division during WWII. I think of them, and another uncle (another brother who was a paratrooper with the 101st Division, also at Bastogne) every time I hear the notes that gives me peace knowing that all three are together again.

I weep every time I hear taps. My father, grandfather, husband and son served and suffered physically and emotionally. The sound of taps makes me think of injustices and apathy by many towards our military. Thank you to all men and women who have served! Rest in peace💗

i starting playing taps when i was 9, have played it at over 150 graves before i was 16

I am a veteran and the son of a veteran and thank you very much for the explaination of taps and playing taps for our fallen brothers.

FYI, there are word for Taps, that is played at military funerals and played at the end of the day. It goes: "Far away; bugles play; sounding taps for the close of the day; night's begun; gone the sun; day is done." Just like there are words to the wake up call, Reveille: 1st verse: "You got to get up, you got to get up, you got to get up this morning; You got to get up, you got to get up, get up to the bugle call". Second verse: "the Colonel told the Captain, the Captain told the Sargent, the Sargent told the Bugler, the Bugler told them all"; repeat first verse. Don't know if anyone cares or not, but when thinking of one song, the other comes to mind.

I heard Taps being played today at a veteran's funeral at the VA Medical Center in Prescott, Arizona. It stopped me in my tracks just to listen. It brought tears to my eyes watching this.

This song does not "rock", it does not "trash"; it is the most revernt 24 notes that can ever be sounded. It is only the sound of Saint Peter opening the gates to a fallen comrade who served faithfully and honestly the cause of mankind. We are all honored to have him upon our rolls.

I may not play the bugle but I am proud to play Taps on memorial day at my town. It's one of the few things I'm truly proud of doing.

One of the greatest honors I ever had was being a pallbearer for Air Force Honor Guard at Tyndall AFB. I felt at home. Thank you all whom have passed the torch to us to carry. It will never be too heavy for it carries the light we all seek.

Wanna see me cry automatically? Play this song.

It's so powerful, it was hard to listen to at my grandfather's funeral just over half a week ago, he was a WII veteran, I miss him a lot.

Proudly this was played at my fathers military funeral. My dad always said “Shell, you’re going to love my military funeral!” I thank God that so many of the fellow military , my dad was a retired Navy Officer, willingly and so amazingly and honorably performed his military funeral. They saluted his hearse as we entered the cemetery. Our treasured American flag on his coffin folded and handed to my mother. The words he spoke to her as he knelt and presented it to her. Then, the 7 in full uniform saluting my wonderful fathers last call. The 21 gun salute. The fly over. Thank you. A day so full of grief, 13 years ago, was made so beautiful. Thank you

I have always had an emotional response to Taps, especially having served in the military.But a week ago my family layed my father, a WWII veteran. to rest. Now just thinking of this beautiful piece brings me to tears. To me it signaled to my Dad that all was well, it's OK, you can rest now. Sure do miss him.

I remember in AIT, hearing this while indoors before bedtime, and feeling very safe. Not only because I was on a giant base surrounded by my comrades, but also because of the taps sound itself. Apart from home, it was the safest place I'd ever slept.

this song always gives me chills, and almost makes me cry. God Bless all of our fallen heroes.

Sad how a song with no words can have such an effect on you. Buy a lunch, shake a hand, give thanks to a vet....I appreciate my freedom....DO YOU?

Thank you for your Father's service

I cry at TAPS!! It, brings up emotions from my stomach.. I, heard TAPS, every night, and we all out playing football stoped and salueted!!!!

makes me cry every time and its truly something i will never forget.

Never forget! God bless each and every solider.

This is a great story and I appreciate my freedom. I am sorry that others feel compelled to trash his post with negative comments. For all those who served or serving, THANK YOU... Your sacrifice hasn't gone unnoticed....

I always play taps for my world war 2 dad, recently I played taps for my grandson who was killed at home and still in the national guard, it was with a very heavy heart that I said goodbye to my 32 yr old SOLDIER

I played taps for the VFW my last two years in High School. the first time I played it, I cried all the way through. now I cry because it reminds me of my father, who served in the army during WWII. my hero!

My Grandson is learning to play Taps, at my request, so we can honor our small town's veterans properly. this was played at my Dad's funeral after a lifelong service to his country in the United States Air Force. Always brings tears to my eyes.

This was wonderful - I'm a history/American Civil War buff and I've enjoyed this very much. Thank you...

Ever since I watched John Kennedy's funeral in 1963 and heard taps, I can't listen to this without crying. It just brings that memory back with its eternal sadness. For every man and woman who serves today, I hope you family never has to hear this. For former service members, welcome home alive. For those that didn't, I thank your families for your service and sacrifice.

brings me to tears every time I’m so grateful for all who have served! My family included! 🇺🇸❤️🙏🏻

I have had many family members who have gone to war for America, I count my blessings I have lost none. I still choke up when I hear this played cause I know many have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. My heart and prayers go to all who have served, are serving and to their families who may never see their loved ones come home. I pray your loved ones come home safe and sound. Much love

My daughter heard this song and cried. She asked mom did we have family who served? I said yes your grandfather. He's so proud of that fact and said that every man and woman serving is brave and I love them too.

I am not a veteran, but for 30 years I worked in various trades on U.S. Navy ships, mostly aircraft and helo carriers. But I am the granddaughter, daughter, sister, niece and wife of 10 veterans and sadly I have heard this played 9 times by actual trumpters. I have been to sea many times and heard Taps played on board and at no time have I not have had tissues in my pocket. I know the origins were as a way to comfort the troops, in a way it brings me some small measure of comfort, but also a sense of loss. When I listen to it now that sense of loss deepens thinking of the mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, wives, husbands, children, some grandchildren and even great grandchildren hearing it everyday now as the last few of the WWII, Korean vets, in addition to vets of Vietnam and all the conflicts since 1981 making their final sacrifice for all of us. This is one of the most powerful pieces of music ever produced with our Armed Forces in mind.

What an excellent lesson! I've never served, nor has anyone in my immediate family, but I just can't help but feel a sense of heartbreak but also of pride and patriotism whenever I hear it. I'm so grateful to the patriots of this country who have either made the ultimate sacrifice or who are currently putting their lives in harms way to keep this country safe. How blessed I am to live in the United States!

To the lady's and gentlemen who fought so proudly for our country and lost there life I salute you

Having sounded Taps for well over 1000 Military funerals from 1966 to 2000, I KNOW what it means to not only the bugler, but to all those who hear it at a funeral or a Memorial Day Service. I began sounding Taps for the American Legion, Marine Corps League and others in 1966, when I was a freshman in High School at what was then Fremont County Vocational High School. As a Trumpet player It was a hard thing to do because, the bugler is affected by the fact that he is sounding this last farewell for the family of the deceased and he wants it to sound its best for them! BUT, the bugler is also affected by his own sorrow and what that conjures up in his mind and his very soul! There were many times, over the years, that I had a very hard time sounding Taps because, I was playing for not only the family but also, for a friend. There were quite a few times that I was able to have a second bugler sound an echo or sound Taps together, with the second bugler beginning shortly after the first. This is one of the most beautiful Taps, I have ever heard! I have often received letters of thanks from the families and that, in itself, is an honor but, the greatest honor, for me was to be able to do this for those who had served their country; OUR COUNTRY, some, having just come home from a war or police action and others, having served years before their passing. Believe me, it IS an honor to serve these men and women who have given their lives in the service of our Nation! May each of you have a wonderful day but, remember the reason for this Holiday.

The playing of Taps is always emotional to listen to. Many years ago, when I was a boy, I attended a summer camp for a few weeks. At the end of each evening campfire we would all stand as the fire began to die out, the lyrics set to Taps: 'Day is done, gone the sun, from the lakes, from the hills, from the sky. All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.' It's always been a fitting tribute to the departed day or a loved one.

A blessing to whom this is dedicated, and a curse unto those who gave this a thumbs down.

Very interesting. Did not know a single thing he said so I'm glad I stumbled into this video.

the only sound that brings tears to my face. A reminder of those that I have buried, frinds, brothers, fathers and grandfathers. rest in peace

makes me cry every time i here it

I didn't know, will never forget

It is such a great honor for me to be able to sound TAPS at our New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery.

This video is the reason why we're free in America today. Thank you for sharing this video Sir, I salute you!

To all who fought to protect our country, thank you. To all whom I've had the great honor and privilege to know, God bless and keep you till we meet again...🇺🇲💗🇺🇲

Played at my sister’s (USAF), my brother’s (USA), my father’s (USMC), and my mother’s (not enlisted, but honored because she was heavily invoked with the local DAV) funerals. It never fails to make me tear up the moment I hear the first notes.

Taps should be played at every military funeral

When I was a simple student in Navy College (Brazilian Navy) in 1981, taps it was my favorite call. It was time to go to bed after a hard day. Greetings from Brazil!

Thank you for this synopsis. I share this with my music students every year.

makes me glad to have served, and would do it again

Nice explanation of the origen of "Taps". As a trumpeter (USN Band, Wash. (DC) for many years, I was the "Bugler of Arlington" who played funerals at national cemetaries, private cemetaries, memorial services, wreath layings, at sea burials and even some religious services. The renditions totaled well into the thousands with each being an emotional experience for me. It never became mundane. I retired from active service in 1985 with total credited service of 30 years. Joseph C. Moore

I've taked to many musicians about Taps, many of them never realized that the 4 different notes used make up a major chord. Most guess that its minor, likely because of the association with military funerals. For me, that's illustrative of just how powerful the melody is. Certainly a magical piece. Thanx for posting the vid, well done sir!

Taps tears me up every time I hear it.

I'm not American, yet hearing Taps brings much emotions and induces tears. It still makes me choked up and still makes me want to render salute to all the brave soldiers.

5 years. First generation military and I get out next month of the Army as an Artilleryman.... I remember sleeping in my barracks with my window open and hearing this over the loud speakers at JBLM for the first time. It gave me chills, but I instantly jumped out stopped what I was doing and stood at attention. I've faked and drunkenly saluted so many times to Reveille and Retreat, but this...this will always hold the dearest and mean the most

it's an honour to lower the flag for Taps

God damnit, I never even got to see my grandpa's funeral. I got to see him one last time in the hospital and that was it, my dad would've done it, my mom didn't because she hates the military. I now live with my dad. I miss my grandpa so much. I didn't even know the date of his funeral.

Every time I hear it I cry. We are a military family so I heard it from a young age.

Thank you very much for this video explanation of TAPS. I was a 4'8" peacetime Army soldier of Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, 79-82, and TAPS still brings tears to my eyes. My son, while at SGT in MCJROTC, played TAPS on Veterans' Day at which I cried and cried my eyes out. Thank you for this beautiful and thorough explanation. I really, really enjoyed it. PS You play an AWESOME BUGLE!

Taps.......stirs the very fiber of our humanity.

You Sir, is what History is all about. Thank-you for your contiued contribution to the fallen Soldiers that have served - sent off by a Country & Service, that is constantly giving us, their so deserved rewards. Rgds JKK

From generations of Army, I am well acquainted w/ bugle calls, especially Taps. Your rendition is the bar for all buglers in my humble opinion. Your work on the exhibit years back was much appreciated, btw. This video you made is concise and authoritative. Well done. Bravo. At my funeral, should I be so lucky to have a bugler half as talented as you, I'll be lucky. Thank you for sharing this vid.

Hi, Man never ever give up. Sooner or later we'll be listening Taps in horizontal position. May our loved ones never forget the bugler. Sincerely, Janusz.

Thank you very much for uploading this!

Rest easy, Daddy. 24 years ago.

Wonderful historical lesson and performances.

TAPS. ..Demands instant respect.

Thank you for bring it back for me to remember.

If you have been in combat and lost a friend, this will bring sad memories.

Even as a child Taps has made me cry. This is very informative, thank you!

Thank You for sharing

thanks for the lesson on the origin of the Taps and the beautiful rendition of it. My husband served in the Marines before we were married and I have always wondered where the haunting melody came from. Have heard it at family funerals since I was a child and now I know.

Thank you sir, for this incredibly informative video, and for helping us remember how sacred this song is and the lives that are given so selflessly for our freedom.

Thanks for uploading this video! The history of the bugle taps is a story that I did not know.

My dad, Captain John S. Lane, Korean and Vietnam war veteran, passed away on August 16, 2021 due to COVID complications. It breaks my heart to hear this.

Beautiful tribute to a beautiful melody....

In Dutch, _oe_ is pronounced the same as "oo" in English. So, _taptoe_ is pronounced "top too." In West Berlin in the '60's, tattoo was the second-last bugle call of the day. The sounding of taps signaled the end of the military day.

I really like the way this video was put together. It can serve to be a tribute as well as informative. I will add this to my Facebook views during Memorial Day.

This was very informative I loved it

Thank u , great post

I remember laying in my bed on base and taps would come on at 2200 and i felt a chilling but safe and calm feeling come over me and it made me feel rested. truly amazing how it makes me feel

i thought, that never would be able to hear Taps being trumpeted for me. Salute and respect...

Very buetiful sounding and sad sounding at the same times.always liked taps.

I am still waiting for the CALL to Play for the WORLD. God bless all who serve and have served.

Wonder piece of history. Taps always makes me cry.

I LOVE this explanation about the origin of TAPS. As a child I thought that the three notes meant "Soldier Is Gone", "Soldier Is Gone", "Soldier Is Gone". Now finally 65 years later I find an explanation and some lyrics that I thought we could work off. This video truly gave me the inspiration to collaborate on a piece on RU-vid (check it out) Taps Keyboard Composition a salute to our troops. . By no means could we ever touch or change the Memorial "TAPS". Just had to get this orchestration out of my head and move on to other stuff. We just played it raw (twice) without scoring it for full orchestration.. it's just a sample. Thanks, AJ

Great posting, he was right on.

You are not alone, after the first three notes my eyes well up too.

While stationed at Fort Drum for 6 years, our funeral detail team buried 29 of our fellow veterans and I will always be proud to stand and salute the entire time taps is played.

great video and story, great story!

ive watched this video atleast 100times and all the videos

Thank you for the Great video

I want to thank you for posting this video. And also the U.S. Military, USO, and Patriot Guard Riders for all that they do.