Just in time for Memorial Day, here’s a video that shows soldiers playing “Taps,” the iconic bugle call at the Arlington National Cemetery.
“Taps” is usually played at dusk, during flag ceremonies, and during military funerals by the U.S. Armed Forces.
The Army says of the video: “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).”
Officially, it is supposed to be played by a single bugle or trumpet. “I was OK at my dads funeral until ['Taps’] started then it just hit me like a brick wall,” as one commenter put it.
The current “Taps” was arranged by Union Army Brigadier General Daniel Butterfield, who was an American Civil War general and Medal of Honor recipient. Within months of its creation during the Civil War, it was used by both Union and Confederate forces, and it was officially recognized by the U.S. Army in 1874.
Day is done, gone the sun, From the lake, from the hills, from the sky; All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.
It is a federal holiday, which means banks, schools, the post office, federal offices, state offices, the DMV, and local offices are closed.