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Protocol for Taps

PROTOCOL FOR TAPS
INSTRUCTION FOR MILITARY AND CIVILIAN

One question I get often is what to do when Taps is sounded. What exactly is the protocol? In a nutshell, it’s the same protocol as when you hear the national anthem.

DEFINITION OF TAPS

Taps is sounded at funerals, memorial services and wreath laying ceremonies. It is also the last call played at US military bases in the evening. Performance consists of 24 notes sounded on a bugle or trumpet. Taps is performed by a solo bugler without accompaniment or embellishment. Although sometimes performed with an echo, Taps is really meant to be sounded by a single bugler.

For more information on the origin of Taps CLICK HERE

At funerals, military honors follow a certain sequence dictated by tradition and protocol. Three rifle volleys are fired, followed by the sounding of Taps. The flag is then folded and presented to the Next-of-Kin.

Sometimes there is not a firing party available and Taps will be sounded upon the signal from the military or funeral home director.

The sequence at Arlington National Cemetery can be found here.

At memorial services or special events Taps is usually sounded toward the end of the program, usually before the benediction or dismissal. At wreath laying ceremonies, Taps is usually sounded after the wreath (or last one if there are several) is presented.

CONDUCT DURING THE SOUNDING OF TAPS

During a rendition of Taps at a military funeral, memorial service or wreath laying ceremony,

– All present not in uniform should stand at attention with the right hand over the heart;

– Men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold the headdress at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart;

– Individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of Taps and maintain that position until the last note (note: if you are inside and uncovered, you stand at attention);

– Veterans and active-duty service-members not in uniform may render the hand salute;

– If you are inside and not in uniform it is proper to stand during Taps

– When Taps is sounded in the evening as the final call of the day at military bases, salutes are not required.

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97 Comments

  1. Tapsbugler Tapsbugler Post author | September 23, 2018

    Yes Taps would be appropriate to honor those who have served

  2. Stephanie M Markgraf Stephanie M Markgraf September 20, 2018

    I teach music at a private elementary school. We are inviting local veterans and their families to a special chapel service at which we will educate our students about the meaning of Veterans Day and sing a tribute and perform the Armed Forces Salute medley. Is it appropriate to play Taps when honoring veterans in such a way, or should that be reserved for commemorating the deaths of those who served?

  3. Tapsbugler Tapsbugler Post author | July 3, 2018

    It’s not appropriate

  4. Connie Fugate Connie Fugate June 23, 2018

    I’m a auxiliary member at my local VFW. We have been trying for years to tear a house down beside the Post. After the last wall was finally down Taps was played. Is that disrespectful? It was the end of our quest to improve our Post and to build a memorial garden. Please tell me and if was why?

  5. Linda Wetter Linda Wetter June 17, 2018

    Is it permissible to play taps at a non-veterans funeral?

  6. Jen Jen April 22, 2018

    Follow-up to my original post – the question was for when we were at Arlington National Cemetery.

  7. Jen Jen April 22, 2018

    Are Boy Scouts in uniform allowed to render a salute during the wreath laying? My husband is currently serving and I am a veteran. Both of us say no. However, our son’s scoutmaster said yes. Protocol requested. Thank you.

  8. Laurie Underwood Laurie Underwood November 7, 2017

    I’ve read all over the web what to do during Taps, but what to do after? Is it customary during a school assembly or special ceremony to start talking or applaud? I think not, but I didn’t know if there was protocol….

  9. Tapsbugler Tapsbugler Post author | October 16, 2017

    The reason it stopped is that it was an electronic bugle and the battery has a bad habit of running out in the middle. As for the bad flag fold it’s due to poor training.

    This is not an uncommon complaint.

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