Taps

:This article is about the musical piece. For the pipelines, see Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) or Trans-Afghanistan Pipeline (TAP).

Related Topics:
Trans-Alaska Pipeline System - Trans-Afghanistan Pipeline

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"Taps" ("Butterfield's Lullaby"), sometimes known by the lyrics of its second verse, "Day is Done," is a famous musical piece, played in the U.S. military during flag ceremonies and funerals, generally on bugle or trumpet. The tune is also used at night to signal "lights out."

Related Topics:
U.S. military - Flag ceremonies - Funeral - Bugle - Trumpet

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The bugle call was composed by Brigadier General Daniel Butterfield, an American Civil War general who commanded the 3rd Brigade of the 1st Division in the V Army Corps of the Army of the Potomac. Butterfield wrote the tune at Harrison's Landing, Virginia in July 1862 to replace the customary firing of three rifle volleys at the end of burials during battle. "Taps" also replaced "Tatoo," the French bugle call to signal "lights out." Butterfield's bugler, Oliver W. Norton of Chicago, was the first to sound the new call. Within months, "Taps" was used by both Union and Confederate forces.

Related Topics:
Bugle call - Composed - Brigadier General - Daniel Butterfield - American Civil War - Army of the Potomac - Harrison's Landing - Virginia - 1862 - Tatoo - Chicago - Confederate forces

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"Taps" concludes nearly 15 military funerals conducted with honors each weekday at the Arlington National Cemetery, as well as hundreds of others around the country. The tune is also played at many memorial services in Arlington's Memorial Amphitheater and at gravesites throughout the cemetery.

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"Taps" is sounded during each of the 2,500 military wreath ceremonies conducted at the Tomb of the Unknowns every year, including the ones held on Memorial Day. The ceremonies are viewed by many people, including veterans, school groups, and foreign officials. Taps is also played nightly at 10 p.m. in military installations to indicate that it is "lights out." When Taps is played, it is customary to salute if in uniform, or to place the right hand over the heart if out of uniform.

Related Topics:
Tomb of the Unknowns - Memorial Day - Salute

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