Final Call of the Day at a Military Base?

• A. Taps
• B. Reveille
• C. Retreat
• D. Morning Colors

Answer: (A)

Understanding how military bugle calls frame the day helps see why this is the final call of the day. Taps is the bugle call traditionally played at dusk to signal lights out and the end of activities for the day. It’s the sound most people associate with the close of day on a base and with rest or remembrance, including its use at ceremonies or funerals.

Wake-up calls in the morning are Reveille, not the end of the day. Morning Colors is the flag-raising ceremony at sunrise, starting the day. Retreat marks the end of the official workday with the flag being lowered, but the final cue that most people recognize as signaling “lights out” is Taps, which is why it’s identified as the final call of the day.