last post, taps

In Canada and Britain, last post refers to a bugle call sounded at the end of the military day, at Remembrance Day ceremonies and at funerals. Last post is usually not capitalized.

• Hearing the last post on Remembrance Day always gives me a chill.

In the United States, the corresponding bugle call (which does not have the same tune) is known as taps. Taps is usually not capitalized, except in reference to titles. Taps takes a singular verb.

• In the United States, taps is sounded at funerals, wreath-laying and memorial services.
• Scouts and Guides usually close their meetings by singing "Taps."

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TERMIUM Plus^®, la banque de données terminologiques et linguistiques du gouvernement du Canada
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