TAPS 150 Anniversary

This year (2012) is the 150th Anniversary of TAPS. Events are planned to celebrate the event.

The bugle call Taps has, for 150 years, held a special place in our American heritage. Originally conceived as a replacement signal to order lights out at the end of the day in the military, the call transformed into the funeral honors accorded all uniformed persons who have faithfully served our country. While still sounded every evening at military bases to signal Day is Done, the notes of Taps have become part of our national conscience. In times of peace and war the 24 notes of this familiar melody have been performed each day in virtually every part of our nation.

Two major events coming up are:

• Arlington National Cemetery - The 150th Anniversary Commemoration of TAPS at Arlington National Cemetery on May 19, 2012 from 10 AM-12 noon. More information at taps150.org/wp/arlington-taps-150-event-may-19

• Charles City, Virginia - "Birth of an American Tradition” - The 150th Anniversary commemoration of Taps at the Berkeley Plantation on June 22 to 24, 2012. This three-day event, June 22-24, 2012, will celebrate the birth of America’s national song of remembrance and feature Civil War re-enactors depicting the Union Army at rest at Harrison’s Landing (on the grounds of the plantation) following the Seven Days Battles in late June 1862. More information at taps150.org/wp/berkeley-taps

There is a lot more information about TAPS 150 at www.taps150.org such as:

• The only memorial dedicated to TAPS
• More events around the country
• Buglers at funerals
• Other good stuff