Bugle Calls – The Origins of Army Music

Have you ever wondered why you hear a bugle playing taps every evening on Army bases around the world? Playing taps is a tradition going back to the Civil War when the tune was first heard at Harrison’s Landing, Virginia, in July 1862.

Playing taps is a tradition going back to the Civil War but its original purpose was to signal Soldiers to ‘extinguish lights.’ In other words, get to bed. Reveille begins the duty day while retreat marks day’s end.