On this site you will find much information on the bugle call Taps, the history of bugles, and the role of bugles and buglers throughout American history. There is a section on Taps Performance Guidelines for those who are interested in sounding Taps for funerals and ceremonies, and a section on Learning to Play the Bugle, for those who are new to this subject and looking for resources. You will also find personal stories of buglers and links to other Taps and bugle-related sites on the Internet.
Also check out the Index of Articles for the posts we make
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Happy New Year to all those who follow Taps Bugler Jari Villanueva!
I wish everyone the best for the new year and hope all your dreams come true, and wish you health, happiness, and prosperity in the year ahead.
May your 2026 be filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable moments. Here’s to a year of fresh starts, good health, and amazing adventures.
I hope to spend more time with friends, rediscover old relationships, and create new ones.
As we celebrated America250 this year, I am looking forward to being part of many commemorations in Washington, Baltimore (where the Star-Spangled Banner was born), Berkeley Historic Plantation (where Taps was born), Gettysburg, and throughout the United States with our Taps Across America on Memorial Day.
Stay tuned!
Happy New Year!!
Taps ACROSS AMERICA
Monday, May 25, 2026 at 3 pm
THANKS TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED IN TAPS ACROSS AMERICA 2020-2024!!
For Military Funerals, remember:
Taps can be performed by a live, non-military bugler.
If you need a bugler to sound Taps, TAPS FOR VETERANS is here to assist you
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Video on the history of Taps
Jari Villanueva-Taps Bugler
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THE PROTOCOL FOR TAPS
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Of all the military bugle calls, none is so easily recognized or more apt to evoke emotion than the call Taps. The melody is both eloquent and haunting, while the history of its origin is interesting and somewhat clouded in controversy. In the British army, a similar type of signal called Last Post has been sounded over soldiers’ graves since 1885, but the use of Taps is unique to the United States military, since the call is sounded at funerals, wreath-laying ceremonies, and memorial services. A bugle call that beckons us to remember patriots who served our country with honor and valor, it is the most familiar call and one that moves all who hear it.
On any weekday at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, a military ritual occurs that is both familiar and moving. An escort of honor comes to attention and presents arms. A firing party comes to attention, then fires three volleys. After the briefest of moments, a bugler sounds the twenty-four notes of America’s most famous bugle call. The flag, held by members of the military honor guard, is then folded into a triangle reminiscent of the cocked hat from the American Revolution. That ritual is performed almost twenty times daily during the many funerals held at Arlington.
How did these twenty-four notes we know as Taps come into being? Who wrote the melody? When was it composed? Where was it first performed? What was the original use of the call and how is it used today? These questions have been asked by many over the past century. To date there has been no in-depth research published on the history of Taps.This site will answer many questions about Taps, bugling, and the history of this military tradition, as well as guide you if you are looking for a bugler to perform at a ceremony or funeral.
For more information contact Jari Villanueva
Dear Jari: HAPPY BASTILLE DAY
I just accessed the biography of Pvt Darrell Melville Dunkle on Find-a-Grave, where his headstone at Arlington National Cemetery ( section 18, Site 4265) shows that he was a private, not a Sergeant. Is it too late to correct this?
The article in the August 6, Reno Gazette-Journal erred in giving this brave young American Doughboy a higher rank. I’m only writing you about this because our hometown, Mountain Home Idaho has a park named in honor of Pvt Carl Miller who was KIA in France in 1918 as he was transporting a wounded comrade to a field hospital.
Thanks for all the wonderful things you do, Jari!
Kasi and Frank Krone
Interesting article on a bugler who was at Appomattox Court House for the surrender conference. He was prepared to sound To Arms if the talks fell through. He sounded Taps at Grant’s HQ that night….answered by a CSA bugler.
https://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2018/07/civil-war-memory-saw-lee-surrender/
Re: The Final Hail and Farewell
MSgt (Ret) William “Bill” Cordes
As an fellow American and Patriot, I just wanted to say Thank You for your beautiful poem. It was well received and I hope more will find it.
Kind regards,
Krista
As I was about to drive away from a meeting today, (11 September 2023) where prayers were said remembering those we lost, I remembered that I had the apt on my phone. So I played TAPS.
Where can I find the Solo sheet music to
Bugler’s Lament ?
Thanks,
Todd
While at Arlington National cemetery
I was moved to write this poem.
The Final Hail and Farewell
MSgt (Ret) William “Bill” Cordes
Attention to orders
I thought I heard someone say
To welcome this veteran
Who has joined us today
Row upon row
of stones stand tall
Marking earlier members
Who had answered the call
On farms and in cities
They grew up fit
They had a job to do
And they did it
The silence was broken
As the procession went by
Stopping in place
Where the hero will lie
The flag was folded
And I felt a great pride
Believing those here
Welcomed another to their side
Unknowns will thank you
And I pray you were blessed
Now join fellow warriors
Who gave us their best
And oh the stories
They will tell
There at your final
Hail and Farewell
PS
I’m practicing on an old bugle and want to get to the point I’m able to perform Taps at any ceremony.
Hola queria saber si la cancion taps tiene copyright. puedo usarla en un video? sabes?
gracias
Hola tengo una corneta de campo m 1892 con el marcaje Star by Japan y nunca he visto una corneta de este modelo con este marcaje querría saber si tengo instrumento de los buenos gracias y un saludo
I was researching to obtain information for my learning disabilities students on Veterans Day & I found your site. I am very pleased with the information & plan to pass it along to other teachers at my school.
I am blessed to have come from a family who were proud to serve in the armed forces. I have uncles and cousins who served in the Army, Air Force and Marines, some saw combat while others served during peace time. My uncles who have passed on had military funerals and while it was a sad time at the loss of a family member, it was a proud moment as well when they were honored with full military funerals. The playing of “Taps” still brings tears to my eyes… from sadness as well as pride in the country I love.
Thank you and God Bless America!
Lisa
I had never attended a military funeral until Wed. my brother-in-law served in World War 11, I was so impressed with the ceremony the volunter guard was so procised the folding of the flag and of course TAPS. It was a very touching sound one that I will never forget.
Thank you.
Emma Tate