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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I think that would be perfectly fine.
Taps has become more and more a part of our American culture and in memory of those who have passed.
I’ve been asked to play taps on the night of memorial day this year. There’s no ceremony,no funeral,no military ceremony or anything like that..but I’ve been asked to play to honor those we’ve lost and those who are still with us.
The plan is to do it at the lake we live on. And their wanting to micropbyhone me and pump it through big speakers so its able to be heard everyone around the lake. I haven’t agreed to it yet because I thought Taps was for military ceremonies, funerals and at the end of the night for those active duty on base.
Is it wrong to play taps without a ceremony or military event requiring taps be played. Or is it okay for me to play taps as a support of acknowledging those lost and those still alive?
Sorry
That is for the Anthem
We tried to get the code for Taps put in but it never made it.
So there is no “official” document
Yes
36 U.S. Code § 301 – National anthem
US Code
(a)Designation.—
The composition consisting of the words and music known as the Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem.
(b)Conduct During Playing.—During a rendition of the national anthem—
(1) when the flag is displayed—
(A) individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note;
(B) members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute in the manner provided for individuals in uniform; and
(C) all other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, and men not in uniform, if applicable, should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and
(2) when the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed.
Is there a document that states what uniformed (civilian attire) service members and civilians are supposed to do when Taps plays on a base like there is for customs and courtesies (MCO p5060.20)? Or does everyone just follow this protocol?
When Taps is sung by a school choir at an assembly, is it still appropriate for everyone to stand? Or is standing only required when it is sounded from a bugle? We were recently at a Veteran’s Day program at a school and when the kids sang it, no one stood. Just wondering if there is a difference between taps being played vs it being sung with words.
Thank you!
Please sign up at http://www.TapsForVeterans.org
Always looking for good buglers
Hello, I was a Naval Aviator for 10 years and Vietnam Veteran. I was also a Special Agent, U.S. Secret Service for 20 years. I retired in Jan of 1988. In June 2003 I was asked to play Taps for a friend. VFW 3036 Honor Guard just happened to be performing the ceremony that day. I was asked if I would be interested in playing for the Honor Guard. I agree and thus began a 15 year service of playing Taps for the VFW. I will be 84 on Dec. 4th and I have played for 516 funerals so far. We are not as thickly populated in Hattiesburg, Ms as other places and therefore not as many funerals. It has truly been an extreme honor to play Taps for our fallen service men and women. Thanks for your service Jari. Howell Purvis (601 794 7080)
I think that would be nice absent a bugler.
Services will be held for my cousin Leo three weeks from now. His ashes will be spread on the hills of his homestead in North Dakota. He is a, Purple Heart, Vietnam veteran. I am not a veteran…….. Would it be appropriate for me to play ‘Taps’ for Leo. I don’t play bugle, I play harmonica…..
Jim Horner