Frank A. Blazich Jr. - Curator, Military History, National Museum of American History At the Arc de Triomphe in 1919, Edwards blew “Taps” in honor of the fallen for their service and their sacrifice.

Since the Civil War, American military forces have used the haunting 24-note bugle call, taps, as a song of remembrance. First played in 1862 to mark the end of the day or “lights out.” It now is ...

Perhaps the most poignant and distinctive melody ever composed is the one that marks the close of day at American military bases and is played at military funerals and memorial observances. The ...

Daniel Butterfield could not read or write music, but he knew what he liked. A brigadier general in the Union Army who would go on to receive the Medal of Honor in 1892 for gallantry during the Civil ...

Indiana National Guard Sgt. First Class Ron Duncan performs "Taps" at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Photo provided Submitted photo There is a moment, just after being introduced and before he ...