The Doughboy Foundation will commemorate 1,500 consecutive soundings of Daily Taps on Wednesday, July 2, 20025.
Every day without fail, at 5 pm Eastern, Taps sounds at the National World War I Memorial in honor of our nation’s heroes. This solemn tradition honors the 4.7 million Americans who served in World War I, while also paying tribute to all veterans from every branch of service and all wars. This program began on Monday, May 24, 2021, and has continued unbroken despite rain, snow, cold, or heat in Washington.
This program was inspired by the nightly sounding of The Last Post at the Menin Gate in Ypers, Belgium and at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, Australia. The National WWI Memorial in Washington is the only location in the United States where Taps is sounded on a daily basis by a live performer.
Each day, a bugler, dressed in a WWI uniform, sounds the 24-note call by the flagpole.
Since the completion of the Memorial, Daily Taps has become a powerful symbol of remembrance and gratitude. This daily performance has featured some of the most celebrated musicians in the nation, including 10-time Grammy Award-winning trumpeter Arturo Sandoval, as well as members of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and Los Angeles Philharmonic. These esteemed artists have lent their talents to ensure the sacrifices of veterans are never forgotten.
“Daily Taps is a profound reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and service of those who defended freedom during World War I and beyond. This tradition connects the past to the present and ensures that their legacy lives on.” -Jari Villanueva, Executive Director, The Doughboy Foundation
The ceremony is free and open to the public.
If you can’t attend in person, watch our live stream at:
www.youtube.com/@DoughboyFoundation
Your support for the Doughboy Foundation will help fund our mission in perpetuity, inspiring future generations of visitors and forever honoring our World War I veterans and all U.S. servicemen and women. Donate today →
