Bugles at Luke's Airforce Base?

Question

I just recently move out to Litchfield Park, Arizona, a few blocks away from the Air Force Base.

Recently I started noticing at various times through out the day and also at night time, they play a bugle on the loud speaker.

I was just wondering when and why they do this?

Just curious.

Answer 1

It is military tradition. Before telephones, etc. the only way soldiers knew what regular things to do at various times of the day was for a bugle call to be done. There was of course the wake up call, some had mess call, there were special officer's calls and there was always taps for the end of the day. If the base was attacked, there was the call to arms as well as salutes for visiting VIP types.

At least be happy you're not also hearing a cannon fire to either wake you up or to put you to sleep. Some Army bases fire a cannon either when the flag is raised or lowered for the day, or both. I remember my first morning of duty at Ft. Dix, NJ. It was just barely daylight and I was in my rack. Suddenly without warning there was the cannon firing and I was on the floor before I knew what happened. Now that was a rude awakening. Reveille sounded after the cannon, as if no one had heard it.

Answer 2

Morning Colors ("To The Flag") is played at Sunrise as they raise the flag to the top of the flag staff. "Retreat" is played at 4 PM as they lower the flag. That routine is followed at every Army post and Air Force base. At Navy Stations and Marine Corps bases the flag is raised at 8 AM and lowered at Sunset.

Answer 3

They play Taps at night, giving respect for those died. And in the afternoon, it's called "retreat", they take the flag down. Almost every AF Active Duty base does it.

Answer 4

And who does the bugle call, if not you and me?

Answer 5

colors, stop what you are doing and face in the direction of the flag and salute.