Who wrote taps in the military?

Who Wrote Taps in the Military?

The bugle call "Taps" is a significant part of military tradition and is played at the end of the day, during funerals, and other ceremonial events. The origin of "Taps" is shrouded in mystery, and there is ongoing debate about who wrote the melody. In this article, we will explore the history of "Taps" and examine the various theories about its composition.

The Origins of Taps

The exact origin of "Taps" is unknown, but it is believed to have been written in the 19th century. The melody is thought to have originated from a French bugle call called "Tatoo," which was played at the end of the day. The French brought this tradition to America, where it evolved into "Taps."

Theories About the Composer

There are several theories about who wrote "Taps," but no consensus on a single composer. Here are some of the most popular theories:

Check out the 50 Cheapest Guns Now


• John F. Lovell: One theory is that John F. Lovell, a drummer boy in the Union Army during the Civil War, wrote "Taps" in 1862. Lovell was tasked with playing a 24-note melody on his drum to signal the end of the day, but he only knew how to play 13 notes. He reportedly asked his comrades to help him complete the melody, which became "Taps."
• James L. Breithaupt: Another theory is that James L. Breithaupt, a 19th-century bugle maker, wrote "Taps." Breithaupt was known for his skills as a bugle maker and is believed to have composed the melody for his own bugle.
• Union Army Bugler: Some historians believe that an unknown bugler in the Union Army wrote "Taps" during the Civil War. This theory suggests that the melody was written as a way to signal the end of the day, and it quickly became a popular bugle call.

The Bugle Call

Regardless of who wrote "Taps," the bugle call has remained an important part of military tradition. The call is played at the end of the day, during funerals, and other ceremonial events. Here are some of the ways that "Taps" is used in the military:

• End of the Day: "Taps" is played at the end of the day to signal the end of the day’s activities. This tradition dates back to the 19th century, when buglers would play the call to signal that it was time to return to camp.
• Funerals: "Taps" is played during military funerals to honor the deceased. The call is played three times, with a moment of silence between each playing.
• Ceremonial Events: "Taps" is also played during other ceremonial events, such as the changing of the guard and the review of troops.

Fun Facts About Taps

Here are some fun facts about "Taps" that you may not know:

• 24 Notes: "Taps" is a 24-note melody, which is shorter than most bugle calls.
• Slightly Different: There are slightly different versions of "Taps" played in different branches of the military.
• Played Around the World: "Taps" is played in military ceremonies around the world, including in the United States, Canada, and Europe.
• Significant Meaning: "Taps" has significant meaning in the military, and is often played to signal respect and honor.

Conclusion

The origin of "Taps" in the military is shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to have been written in the 19th century. While there are several theories about who wrote the melody, no consensus has been reached. Regardless of who wrote "Taps," the bugle call remains an important part of military tradition and is played at the end of the day, during funerals, and other ceremonial events.

Table: Theories About the Composer

References

• "The Story of Taps" by the United States Army Center of Military History
• "Who Wrote Taps?" by the Bugle Magazine
• "The History of Taps" by the National Guard Bureau