WHAT IS TAPS?
It consists of 24 notes played on an instrument that can only play five pitches of the overtone series
It’s a call that is easily recognized within the first three notes
It’s usually played on a bugle or trumpet
It’s the only call in the military that played slowly throughout
Its simplistic melody has evoked emotions from the most hardened combat veteran
Its origin has been clouded in mythology
It’s a call that has a dual purpose-one to signal lights out at the end of the day and the other as a formal military honor to those who have served in uniform
It’s a call that that has been open to interpretation and arrangement-from a solo rendition, to an echoed version, to accompanied arrangements as musical settings.
It is a melody that has had many lyrics set
It is a piece performed by polished military professionals, amateurs, school bandsmen, and volunteers interested in providing the service at veterans’ funerals.
Presenting the flag