“Taps” by Gen. Daniel Butterfield – Improvised by pianist Charles Manning

In Honor of Memorial Day

“Taps” is a bugle call, not a song. Known as a signal for “lights out,” the tune is played as the final bugle call of the day on military bases. A single bugle or trumpet also plays the official military version during patriotic memorial ceremonies and military funerals conducted by the United States Armed Forces. Derived from the source of “Tattoo,” the term “Taps” possibly originated from the Dutch “taptoe,” which means “close the [beer] taps, [and send the troops back to camp].” Also known as “Day is Done,” the tune is often performed at Girl Guide, Girl Scout, and Boy Scout meetings and camps.

Arranged by the Union Army Brigadier General Daniel Butterfield, and sometimes known as “Butterfield’s Lullaby,” the present day “Taps” is a variation of an earlier bugle call known as the “Scott Tattoo,” used in the US from 1835 to 1860. During the American Civil War, Butterfield’s 1862 version replaced the previous French bugle call used for “lights out.” Oliver Wilcox Norton, Butterfield’s bugler, was the first to sound the new call. Subsequently, at Harrison’s Landing, Virginia, Union Captain John C. Tidball started the custom of playing “Taps” at military funerals.

In 1874, “Taps” was officially recognized by the United States Army. “Taps” became the standard for U.S. military funerals in 1891. It concludes military funerals at Arlington National Cemetery, at National Cemeteries around the country, and at overseas cemeteries run by the American Battle Monuments Commission. Today, as on every Memorial Day, “Taps” is sounded during each of the military wreath ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In remembrance of all fallen soldiers, Charles Manning improvises his piano arrangement of “Taps.”