What is Taps?


Taps is a bugle call that has been used in the United States military, and is traditionally played at the end of a military day to signal “lights out”, but is also used during military funerals. The official military version of Taps is played by a single bugle or trumpet, and can be heard echoing through cemeteries, seen (and heard) as a sign of respect for those who have served and died in service of their country. The haunting melody of Taps has become an iconic symbol of reverence and remembrance for our fallen heroes. The tune is also sometimes known as "Butterfield's Lullaby", or by the first line of the lyric, "Day Is Done".