An RVer named Darrin has posted in at least two Facebook groups about his patriotic playing of Taps each evening in an RV park. He uses his outside speakers to amplify the bugle call while he lowers the large American flag he flies over his RV. He asked the question, “Is that rude or is that acceptable to most?”
More than 2,000 people commented on one of his posts – some saying it was perfectly fine, and in fact it was a wonderful way for him to show his appreciation of our country and the military. Others replied that while they, too, loved our country, it was not an appropriate place to play the traditional military call.
HEAR TAPS. Click the play button.
What do you think? Please answer the poll below, and feel free to leave a comment.
And, by the way, according to Wikipedia, one version of the origin of the word “taps” comes from the Dutch taptoe, meaning “close the (beer) taps (and send the troops back to camp).”
I always enjoyed it. The camp across from
Our cabin played it every night. One of my favorite memories is hearing it play from across the lake. It was beautiful.
I don’t need someone that just can’t let the whole military thing go to tell me when my day is over.
Play it YOUR camper. If this then why not revelry in the morning. Or signs to direct you to the mess hall. or it`s a latrine, not a bathhouse. were would this stuff end. Time to let it go.
No comments please as I am a well seasoned VN combat vet.
You are right in saying that no one should be telling you at what time the day ends. He should play it inside his RV, as you suggested. Not appropiate. However, the military never leaves you, unless it was never in you, in the first place. I’m sure you spent no more than ten combat tours in country in ‘Nam, do I do have more actual combat time than you. Don’t comment if you can’t deal with the replies. Peace!
Taps is inappropriate, unless it is a military or para-military ceremony. When I was in the military, I was surprised at the numbers of GI’s who would scatter or check their watches to make sure it wasn’t right @ 5 PM, because they didn’t want to get caught outside while Retreat was playing, knowing they had to stop, snap to and hold a salute until the flags were lowered and the music stopped playing. Now back to the parks, what about those survivors who have painful memories brought front and center when they hear taps. There are many who don’t know the correct protocol also. Let us reserve the playing of taps, for the appropriate occasions and places…
As a vet I think It is is sad when our military has become an excuse to be part of the woke “everything offends” me mindset. Part of being a warrior is ruling over your associations and mastering them. That is true discipline. A warrior is never “offended” by anything subjective. Something is either right or wrong; being “offended” is the habit of a weak, undisciplined mind.
When I was in the military I also love being outside for Taps and hearing it. I not only never rushed to be inside, I actually purposely went outside and stood at attention to hear it. It was a sweet and fitting ending to the day and does make one reflect that one is part of something much larger.
I use to love Taps and then it was played at my brothers funeral. Now it just overwhelm me with grief for my big brother who I miss. So no, they do have bluetooth headphones that he can use.
It’s okay but not amplified.
It’s appropriate but without the speakers…..
I camped last March for a week on the North Platte River on the edge of Guernsey, WY. Between the river and town there is a sizable Army National Guard Training Center and Camp Guernsey Army Airfield. Every morning they play revelry and in the evening they played taps over a loud speaker(s) system . The first evening I was thrilled to hear the bugle. It played every morning and evening for a week with the exception of Sunday; have to tell you I missed not hearing it. It gave me goosebumps and an overwhelming sense of pride to be an American. It was a very small campground and nobody complained about it.
I wouldn’t have a problem with Darrin if I was camped beside him but possibly he shouldn’t use his outside speakers out of respect for others for a variety for reasons.
Taps isn’t played to lower the flag in the evening. Retreat is . taps is played for lights out.
I am retired military. Playing amplified taps every night is obnoxious behavior.
Do NOT amplify it, and save it for special occasions.
If I haven’t said it before, Darrel, thank you for your service. The country appreciates it, and especially me. My son is a Marine combat veteran who went into Iraq on our first day of fighting (actually, in the second tank that went into the country). He came home safe and sound, thankfully, and now owns the house next to me. Take care. 😀 —Diane at RVtravel.com
Sometimes making through another day is a special occassion
I being a Combat Disabled Veteran I consider myself being very patriotic at all ends and believe in ” Merica Fist” and i totally resolve to ” for God and country” state of mind. When I hear taps it brings back some thoughts of what I have seen and what happened to so many of our son’s, daughters friends and families. Sometimes I just cannot handle it as what I remember and feel I have been trying to put to rest attempting to rest my mind from the horrors. I will never tell anyone not to play taps but I might ask if he could do it a bit quieter and might state why. If I had a problem I’d inquire at the office and if they said it was ok I’d have to let it ride or leave that area and relocate to another area. That is just my take and I do hope it has not offended anyone. “All gave some but some gave all” God bless our fallen heroes as they earned that title by giving it all to our country. Please never forget an American Vet! < FISH <
Thank you very much for your service and sacrifices, < FISH < . :) --Diane at RVtravel.com
Thank you for your Service
A vet with PTSD may not appreciate this display of Patriotism. Something quieter might be called for. Thank you for your service.
Not everyone is on the same wave length. It may be patriotic for some and annoying or nerve wracking for others.
That was actually a “yes, but. . .). I don’t think it should be so loud it is heard three or more sites away. Keep it down as you take it down.
Not everyone is on the tap player’s schedule. They aren’t standing around a flagpole at attention. Very presumptive to think everyone will enjoy the well meaning gesture.
Playing music on your outside RV speakers is ok before quiet time hours. However if he’s playing a trumpet, or cranking up his outside speakers, he’s encroaching on neighbors regardless of what he’s playing.
If the “taps” is as well played as above, it would be a treat.
Considering all the assaults people make on my eyes, nose, ears and sensibilities, sometimes for hours and hours on end, a taps of less than a minute is no worse than one mosquito.
It would be an extra special treat if all campers took the queue to bring their voices down to a whisper level (and for those who just can’t whisper – well, shut the heck up), turn off their music and respect the quiet of the night after taps.
Retired AF officer, 31 years. I agree that the SGM said it very well. RV park simply is not the place for this on a daily basis. Rude & inconsiderate of other’s schedules.
I agree with the SGM an others. While patriotism is good, imposing on others is rude.
The Shady Creek RV Park in Cedaredge, CO plays taps every evening over a loud speaker that can be heard throughout town and the whole town loves it — people stop what they’re doing and stand with hand over heart in memory and salute. It’s a truly beautiful moment every evening.
Playing Taps would be fine by us so long as it is not in amplified, just as all music and TV and load gathering should be.
I’d rather have Taps than the loud Hip Hop crap and “F” this and “F” that we put up with at our last stay at Lost Dutchman a month ago.