Taps is the bugle call traditionally played at U.S. Memorial Day ceremonies.
The U.S. Army adopted Taps during the American Civil War. Union Brigadier General Daniel Butterfield arranged the familiar melody in July 1862 at Harrison’s Landing, Virginia, with assistance from bugler Oliver Willcox Norton.
The short call originally served as a signal to end the day and replace the French-inspired lights-out call then in use. It later became closely associated with military funerals, memorial services, and moments of remembrance.
Taps is different from Reveille, which signals the beginning of the military day. It is also different from Britain’s The Last Post, although both calls can appear in remembrance ceremonies and are sometimes confused by audiences.