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).”
As an ex-military, the playing of ‘taps’ will act as a sleeping pill for me.
Played on an external sound system in an RV park goes beyond the pale.
I’m a Navy Veteran. I proudly enjoyed being part of a flag detail, watching it wave as it moved up or down, the respectful and careful folding into tight triangles once lowered; So I do have fond memories and admire and enjoy a citizen’s daily raising and lowering of our colors when done in a personally meaningful manner, but NOT when accompanied with any “LOOK AT ME!” theatrics, especially like sound amplification.
As long as it’s not too loud. It’s not like it’s a long song or he is playing it for hours.
As a veteran no one has more love for his country. Playing anything loud enough for others to hear is inappropriate whether in an RV park at home or in church.
Sure! As long as I can broadcast revelry at sunrise!
It’s reveille not revelry
Revelry sounds interesting!
I admire the thought, but I agree that playing it loud enough to be heard over the entire RV park is a bit much. And “taps” is not played when the flag is lowered; taps is played at lights-out. It’s “retreat” + “to the colors” that plays when the flag is lowered at the end of the duty day.
Taps in an encampment is telling everyone it’s time to turn out the lights. I wouldn’t want to hear that at a CG anymore than I want to hear reveille in the morning!
No. It’s one thing to play it along with other ceremonial music on military commemorative occasions, marking the sacrifices of those that helped secure our freedoms. One of those freedoms is the freedom to enjoy peace, unmolested by noisy neighbours and barking dogs. If that peace can’t be found, we are fortunate as RV’ers that we enjoy another freedom, the ability to come and go as we please.
Yes ,absolutely it is rude and uncalled for. Others are not in the military and do not need the extra noise. I will personally object to anyone using a PA system in any campground. What ‘s next Muslim prayer on loud speakers? Selfishness trying to tell influence others w/o their expressed permission. Your rights begin where mine end and I have a right to peace and quiet from all loud noises especially loud speakers.
This is a form of Freedom of Speech protected by the First Amendment of our Constitution. While I think it is a beautiful way to say good-night. Darrin might consider playing it with out the speakers in respect for his neighbors.
Free speech doesn’t give some idiot like this the right to publicly blast media to the public in a campground and especially at the end of the day! If this “patriotic” fool wants hear taps let him blast it out on his earphones, NOTin public. This has nothing to do with patriotism at all it’s nothing more than a selfish, self-centered individual trying to force his likes on others. It’s particularly wrong in a campground where people pay to be able to enjoy a bit of peace and quiet and have no escape route.
Just as If some some religious fruitcake came around handing out garbage trying to convert you to their “way of thinking is the only way” most people would be up in arms.
We expect and appreciate taps and reveille when we stay in military campgrounds. We don’t think it’s appropriate in a public or private campground, for all the reasons others have already mentioned, especially played loudly.
First off, Taps is played at the end of the day. Retreat is played when lowering the flag. I think it is a great idea, however I see no reason to use a loud speaker. He should do it at his own space. No different then these people who crank up their music or out door tv to entertain everyone.
I have no problem with it just be respectful of those around you.
I am a loyal veteran and love the taps, however I voted no because there are a majority of people who never served and don’t know the significance of taps, therefore I don’t think it appropriate especially in a campground. If he wants to have a private ceremony that doesn’t disturb his neighbors more power to him. As the old saying goes, freedom of speech ends at your neighbors ear. If I don’t want to hear what you have to say, I don’t have to listen to it and you forcing me to listen will cause conflict.
I have no problem with playing it, although it does strike me unusual. I do have a problem with thinking the freedom of speech means not being offended. I see that freedom more as a right to potentially offend and a responsibility to be offended. Freedom of discourse, even if we disagree. In this case, the man has the right to honor the fallen, even if you don’t like bugles.
Best practice, I’d lose the amplifier and put out a sign on his own campsite to the effect of “I honor fallen veterans by playing Taps at 8PM each night. Please join me in honoring those who fought for our freedom.” It’s thus explained for those who don’t get it, and he is likely to offend fewer/make friends.
Being near a large military base we hear the national anthem every morning as the flag is raised and retreat every evening as the flag is lowered. The sound is piped through the loudspeaker system over the entire base and is heard throughout the surrounding area. It dose not cause anyone I know of a problem but I’m not sure I would appreciate it at a campground I’m staying in. But as long as it is not played during quiet hours and especially at 0800hrs every morning I would not have a problem with it, however I WOULD loose the amplifying system.
It would not bother us (RET/DAV/USA & wife), but undoubtedly there will be some it would ‘bother’.
I think that is awesome.. but taps is played at the end of the day.
I think if a campground played taps they should let the campers know first.
Put that notice on there web page
For those that replied that….. Quote, “while they, too, loved our country, it was not an appropriate place to play the traditional military call”. Unquote. In reality, and in essence, they are not patriotic, and they are only giving the words….”We Love our Country” what is called, “lip service” which now-a-days is approximately 90% of the people across the nation. With that kind of attitude, they are not really Patriotic. They are merely only concerned with themselves, and what they want. Oh yes if you approach them pertaining that subject they will deny that fact, an try to say they are, but yet it shows in their daily attitude when they prefer that something like “TAPS” not be played.
So anyone can do anything they want because it makes them feel good, and to hell with everyone else. Think about the “patriot” who might like Hendrix’s Star Spangled Banner. Oh, wait! I forgot that you are the one determining what and who is patriotic or not. Today’s standard is if you don’t agree with me, then you are unpatriotic. Consideration is certainly a thing of the past.
It is so refreshing to hear from someone who knows exactly what is in the hearts and minds of everyone else.
Come on people! I think taps so 24 notes, less than 1 minute long.
I am not a veteran, but a proud and active member of the Patriot Guard Riders.
Taps is played at every military funeral and at the funerals of most veterans.
To me, taps is a way of remembering and paying respect to those that gave their lives defending our freedom an way of life. Is your life so important that hearing taps and taking a few seconds to remember those that served offends you?
If I hear someone playing taps at a campground I’m at, I’m going to walk up to him, shake is hand, and tell him thanks for defending my freedom, and if he is a Vietnam vet, Welcome home.
Mike
I voted yes but also agree with other folks that the loudspeaker might not be necessary. Played in his “own space” the sound will still travel as sound travels more outside but would be less invasive. This would also be a role model to other campers to keep their noise to themselves. If the owner can do it, why not me. People do think that way. A notice posted in the office might allow campers to attend the ceremony each evening at their choice which could be heartwarming to many and allow for the making of new friends. I am a wife and daughter of military men.
Voted No because of the use of amplified sound. However, if he personally were to play Taps with a bugle I’d be fine with that. The article did not say whether he personally play tap or it was a recording.
I think it would be lovely EXCEPT for the amplified part!
I think it would be OK provided two conditions are met:
(1) “Taps” is sounded at sunset, the hour at which the flag is to be retired, and no later.
(2) He sounds “Taps” on a bugle, not via a recording and NOT amplified in any way. Amplifying it can easily be an intrusion on the activities of others. You can’t successfully shove patriotism down someone’s throat any more than you can religion.
I am as patriotic as the next person, maybe more so. But, this is not ok. Consider that we are likely in a campsite that puts us in close proximity to our neighbors.
This said, we already put up with light pollution from awning lights, We listen to slammed doors, we sometimes can hear loud indoor TV or stereo and we get the idiot next door that has his/her outdoor entertainment system blaring and isn’t anywhere near her/his RV. Enough.
I love my country and my flag but, being allowed to pollute the campground with loud and perhaps unwanted music of any kind is inconsiderate and rude.
By the way, get off my lawn while your at it.
First of all, I’m a Veteran and damn proud of it, but the idea of someone playing a Amplified “Taps” next door to me? NO, i don’t think so!!!!
Does it not occur to this half wit that when he is playing his music, that some of us may already be in bed asleep???
Not everyone is on your schedule, Frank Burns. Some of us have to arise at 2 AM to go to work, and our need for sleep outweighs your need to show everybody how you bleed red, white and blue.
If you wanna play it, do so with your earphones in, Captain Amurricuh
The answer to this issue can easily be found in the Bible. Matthew 6:5:
“When you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, for. they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the. corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. ”
People who make public displays of personal beliefs are more interested in people’s view of them than the issue the profess to care about.
Your talking about what is now called “virtue signalling” by “Social Justice Warriors,” and I am certainly familiar with just the hypocrites you mention there… the sort that assert their comfort is more important than your rights, their desire to control your life is more virtuous than letting you govern yourself. That said, from the military folks I know, this guy would still play taps and fly a flag in his closet. I don’t get a sense that he’s doing it for show, even if he COULD be less obtrusive of people who don’t understand why he’s doing it.
Yes, but the Lord does command us to observe the law of the land. He is not praying to the flag, He is merely being respectful as it is lowered.
Amen, Mr. Biggs. Could not have said better.
I think this is a slippery slope issue. If he places something significant for himself, other campers could then play something equally important. Where would the cut-off be? I think that campgrounds should not have anyone’s preferences imposed.
If it is a military campground, and playing Taps is CG policy, it’s a different story.
Growing up we heard Taps at summer camp & at camp outs at the Joint Bases Campground. As a parent I heard it at Boy Scout camps. There’s just something that has a comforting goodnight all’s well feeling. Plus it takes such a short amount of time out of the evening. If he happened to be in your camp ground, the choice to let him honor his country daily, for that short amount of time would take up less of your time and energy than dwelling on it & complaining about it. Things can only bother you if you let them. As for me, even on a bad, need to be in the dark with no sound migraine day, I’d rather choose to feel proud of his patriotism than be upset at the minute of noise.
I wonder if he performs this nightly ceremony at home, spotlights illuminating the huge flag in his front yard with a bank of public address speakers and a podium for him to stand on while playing Taps on his bugle? I’m sure his neighbors would be thrilled to gather in the street each evening to attend and show their respect for his undaunted patriotism.
Reminds me of the thousands of pickup trucks I saw during the years immediately following 9-11, ripping along the freeways at 70 mph, adorned with flags whipping and shredding themselves to pieces in the slipstream. Only the sound of “The Star Spangled Banner” blaring on light-bar speakers was missing.
It is ok to play as it is a good reminder of the freedom we have for all that serve to keep us our freedom .
I have no problem with “taps.” My concern is, how loud are his speakers? I am not in favor of people blasting their music to people who would prefer not to hear it.
I voted no. First of all anything sent via speakers in a public campground is imposing the sound on others. But mostly I voted no because taps makes me sad and brings sad memories of funerals of people I knew. It would bring sadness to the end of my day.
As a military veteran, I never tire hearing this melody.
I am always reminded of the many who will never hear it again.
GOD BLESS YOUR HEART AND SOUL–CONGRATULATIONS FOR BEING SO WILLING AND TALENTED AS TO BE ABLE TO DO IT. AND HONOR ALL THOSE THAT DESERVE SUCH A TRIBUTE. I THANK YOU AND HOPE I AM SOMEWHERE NEAR SOMETIME, SO I CAN WALK OVER AND SHAKE YOUR AND MORE THAN LIKELY A FEW TEARS GIVE YOU A GREAT BIG BEAR HUG. THANK YOU. MY FATHER SERVED, MY MOTHER’S FATHER SERVED AND OF MY FAMILY SERVED. MANY, MANY OF MY FRIENDS SERVED AND SOME GAVE THEIR ALL. SO YOU KEEP GOING AND KNOW THERE ARE THOSE OF US THAT YOU MAKE PROUD. DJH
I believe it would be more appropriate to play retreat when lowering his flag. Taps is meant to play to honor a fallen military member.
Taps is not played at retreat. Taps is played at the end of the day (usually 10 pm on most military installations). I winter on FAMCAMPS–you need to get used to revelrie at 6am, retreat and National Anthem at 5pm and taps at 10 pm. I feel taps at a public rv park is a little over the top or much to expect all to appreciate–and I am retired military and I love it…
Retreat would be more appropriate, but I vote for tattoo–extinguish lights and cease loud talking.
I think it is a lovely way to end the day, and would appreciate hearing it. For those of us who lost family members in war, it is also a moment to pause, reflect, and remember. Only twenty-four notes long, but it sparks many memories. However, I would urge the gentleman to not amplify the sound … the bugle really needs no amplification. One would be wise to consider the close quarters of an RV park, and the fact that all share in the appreciation of “Taps.”
However, I suggest the gentleman do away with amplification. The bugle needs none, and the “natural” sound may be less offensive to those who are nearby … RV parks equate close quarters.
YES but DO NOT amplify! At military graveside funerals I have attended, the bugler is off in the distance away from the site and you hear that low, distant, haunting sound that signifies a solemn days end. When I was on base it was amplified in order to cover the many acres of the base.
After reading all comments 2 main reasons I enjoy CGs on military installations come to mind. I really enjoy hearing the bugle. The general whining public are not present.
I’m a Navy vet and Playing of Taps is a wonderful way to end the day and lowering the flag. No amplification should be used. This would be most appropriate as daylight extends and many RV may be retired to bed for a early start the next day.
Taps is the incorrect song for lowering of the flag at the end of the day. Most folks who are non military wouldn’t know what the correct procedure is, even if the correct song were played any way. That would be confusing to most, and annoying to others. Fly the flag over your RV or find some other appropriate manner of showing your love for this country…
I did not answer because: Taps should be played at night as a “lights out” signal and not to bring down the flag. On military bases the national anthem is played as the flag is slowly lowered.
If played at the appropriate time it would be late and people might be sleeping. It is a sad song and could cause grief for those who recently lost a soldier, sailor, marine, airman, or coast guardsman be they young or old as it is played at the funeral. Play it through your ear buds or very low so only those in your campsite can hear. (retired Army Captain)
Thank you Vanessa Simmons for your service to our country. Thank you for your respectful and clear words pertaining to taps, lowering our flags, and touching on the sadness taps can evoke in many of our hearts. Great suggestion on ear buds. Personally, flying our flag offers me satisfaction in country pride.
Joymous
Think this shows the percentage of veterans you have on this site. Always wish Chuck would conduct a poll
here asking how many members are veterans.
I responded “no” because he employed an amplifier. This makes it rude. Would have no objection if “ natural” volume.
On smaller ships the Boatswains Mate blew taps on his pipe (a sort of whistle – wheeeeee-oooooh-wheeee-whoop with a trill) and announced “Taps, taps, lights out! All hands turn into your bunks! Maintain silence about the decks! The smoking lamp is out in all berthing spaces. Now taps.” Maybe the maintain silence part should be stressed in the campground.
If you want to play soldier go camp at a military camp. I camp for peace and quiet.
I think its ok to play Taps
Any AMPLIFIED sounds other that warning sirens (severe storms, tornadoes etc) should be UNACCEPTABLE. Perhaps this camper should stay ONLY at military facilities. If a campers’ TV, stereo etc can be heard outside of the site he paid for, it needs to have its’ volume lowered.
Agree John from another DX3 owner.
There is a time and place for everything. I am a vet and love my country but….Taps at a public campground? no way.
I personally am NOT offended by it, but showing your patriotism by flying our flag seems more appropriate!
The question should be about the volume, not the song. If it is ok to play Taps at an amplified volume, then it is ok to play any music at an amplified volume. I don’t mind you playing your favorite music as long as I don’t have to listen to it.
Natural volume, sure; amplified blasting out of speakers no.
Camp at Knob Noster SP near Warrensburg MO. The park is located next to Whiteman AF base and if you listen closely, you can hear both reveille and taps.
Key phrase here is “if you listen closely” and it is being played on a military base not at the park. I’m a Viet Nam vet I don’t agree with Taps being played at a civilian campground, and Taps is correct for flag lowering anyway, that should be “retreat” anyway
I lean toward “No it is not OK to stand outside and play a loud noise with a Bugle, even more so if it is amplified.”
There is a time and place for everything. Just because it is Taps doesn’t automatically give someone a pass on making noise.
What if I wanted to make some other sounds or music to celebrate a particular time of day? Who gets to decide what is appropriate and what is not?
Were having a discussion about the wrong tune. Retreat is the appropriate tune played in the lowering of the flag at the end of the day. Taps well that’s for something else
I am retired military, and I vote no. There is a time and place for everything. Special occasions ok. Daily NO.
Dont subject others to your whims. No loudspeakers.
Can I play reville in the morning ?
Haha! no…
You might get shot LOL
No. Military marches, drills, daily routines and any music associated with it are for those on military bases and stations. The civilian population should not be subject to any of it, especially in campgrounds and other close quarters. There is a time and place for everything. I am surprised that something like this is even an issue. Campground owners/managers should be all over this and have it shut down before the end of the tune. Ignorance, even in the name of patriotism, is still ignorance.
Bill I agree with your statement. I am thankful for our military, but you are correct that it is a CIVILIAN campground, not a military installment. I liken it to “playing Army”, and almost disrespectful. There’s a time and place for everything.
I say no because taps means lights out bed time. It is not proper for one camper to decide what time is bed time for all anymore than it that it would be ok for someone to wake everyone up at their desired wake up time.
I object to the use of speakers!
Go ahead. Play taps or whatever else you want. I consider myself very patriotic, but if you disturb me with taps you’ll get to hear my Rare Earth, Iron Butterfy, ZZ Top, Chuck Berry, or whatever I choose. If there is wifi available you might get some rap music with explicit lyrics. Seriously, the park manager should tell someone doing that to lower the volume or leave.
And if you play Taps after dark where I am, you’ll probably hear a lot of LOUD Italian opera all night.
I play Taps on a Native American flute. No amplification, never had a complaint.
Play taps, just not on a speaker volume so loud that it is distrubing your neighbors. Use earphones to play your taps
I’m retired military, but playing taps in an rv park is inconsiderate. Is he within his rights to play taps? Of course he is. But it’s rude. Imo each camper has a courteous responsibility to minimize his noise intrusion to others, whether it be music, dogs barking, noisy kids, loud talking, or argument.
Taps are played at military funerals (killed while serving and veterans) and can really trigger emotions in people. For me I start crying and become emotional over the loss of my brother. It was the last thing done to honor him.
I appreciate the persons patriotism however his playing taps as he lowers the flag on his RV is way out of line. First off, the flag is to be lowered at sundown. The old school way was to play “Retreat” at the flag lowering however recently I have heard the Star Spangled Banner, our National Anthem, played instead, “Taps” is played to announce lights-out at bed-time. In an RV park it would not be appropriate, in my opinion, to be broadcasting music at 2100 or 2200 hours (9:00 or 10:00 PM). Good being patriotic but bad choice of music and timing. God Bless the USA.
As the running result shows, yes, it’s okay to play Taps as he lowers his flag. As long as it isn’t played at “11”. If I was next door to him I would probably join him. In my 24 years of active duty service I never once ditched Taps.
Retreat is played at about 4:30 PM Or dusk at flag lowering and TAPS around 9:30 PM to signal the start of quiet hours and Is also played at Military funerals and wreath ceremonies as a sign of remembrance. He has every right to play why he wants but not everyone wants to hear it! Playing TAPS may bring back sad memories for some. Personally I love the sound of TAPS it gives me a sense that I made through another day.
The civil liberties and freedom i enjoy living in this country are due to the men and women that protect our nation. without a doubt, i am ok with hearing taps every day!!!
Perhaps because I am a veteran I love the sound of taps, another name is RECALL or nightly RECALL. On a military base recall with the lowering of the flag marks the end of the work day.
That would be “retreat” rather than “recall.” “Recall” is a word military members rarely want to hear!
Being an Army Veteran (28+ years) I have heard Taps many times, some at 2200hrs and 2400hrs. Myself I don’t mind at all Taps, cause I do know the meaning but for the campers that are beside where taps are played could be another thing. When you say “amplified”, that could be an issue. If it’s just for his listening then ok but not to push on others. Next thing one could here are what others think is traditional music.
Can you see where I’m going with this? I could play Retreat every evening at 1700hrs, I’m sure some would draw attention to that.
In closing, if it was a Veteran rally at a camp group or a Scouting function then all would be good. But to force ones agenda on everyone there would mean they could do the same with their music and then you know what would happen.
Army Sergeant Major Retired
God Bless America
Agree with you Gary. I also served and heard TAPS many times as well at my father’s and father-in-law’s funerals. On a loud speaker at a campgrounds -I don’t think so.
I just love it. Most AF bases play the National Athem at morning flag raising and then again at the end of the duty day at flag lowering, then Taps around 2200…..I love being caught outside and come to attention and salute!! I am honored and proud to have served and have no problem at all paying attention to the National Athem or listening to tap. ( Now, some of military campgrounds play reveille, and that can come a little early!)
BTW I fly the US flag at my campsite every time I stop for the night(weather permitting)….guess that would bother some other campers too. Sad.
Your show of patriotic action by correctly flying the flag is not a problem. BUT I don’t want my ears assaulted by music – patriotic or not. Play the music for your site and leave mine in peace.
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.
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.
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.
I agree with the SGM an others. While patriotism is good, imposing on others is rude.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 same wave length. It may be patriotic for some and annoying or nerve wracking for others.
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.
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
Taps isn’t played to lower the flag in the evening. Retreat is . taps is played for lights out.
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.
It’s appropriate but without the speakers…..
It’s okay but not amplified.
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.
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 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!
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.