The Last Post is a bugle call within British infantry and artillery regiments that signals the end of the day’s activities. It is also sounded at military funerals to indicate that the soldier has gone to his final rest. The Last Post has a solemn, mournful tone that makes it appropriate for funerals. Many families request that it be played during funeral services for veterans or active duty military personnel. However, there are some requirements around playing The Last Post that families should understand when making arrangements.
What is The Last Post?
The Last Post originated as a bugle call within the British Army infantry regiments to signal the end of the day. The call indicated that the final sentry post had been inspected and the camp was secure for the night. It was first published in the 1790s. Over time, the poignant and melancholy tune came to signify the end of a soldier’s service through death. By the late 19th century it had evolved into an essential component of military funerals.
The name “Last Post” refers to the fact that it was the final bugle call of the day. The music consists of a simple melody played over the interval of a major third. Due to its associations with mourning, The Last Post has a somber, melancholy tone. It typically features a set of lyrics reflecting on death and remembrance.
Today, The Last Post continues to be one of the central musical elements of Commonwealth military funerals. It is generally followed by a period of silence and then Reveille, another bugle call signaling the start of a new day. This symbolizes the eternal cycle of life and death.
Can The Last Post be played at any funeral?
The Last Post can potentially be played at any funeral, military or civilian. However, there are certain conventions around its use that should be respected:
– Military funerals – The Last Post is traditionally part of military funeral honors and memorials. It is almost always included for veterans, active duty military members, and first responders who have served in armed forces or law enforcement. These individuals have symbolically ended their “last watch” and final call of duty through their death.
– Funerals for non-military personnel – While less common, families may request The Last Post for civilians who have not served in the forces. This is usually done to acknowledge their contributions to their nation or community or to add a sense of poignancy and tribute. Some considerations apply (see next section).
– Remembrance ceremonies – The Last Post is played during memorial services and remembrance ceremonies for groups of veterans on occasions like Remembrance Day or ANZAC Day. It represents collective mourning and tribute.
So in summary, the Last Post can technically be performed at any funeral. However, conventions dictate it is primarily reserved for military personnel and veterans. Non-military families need to carefully consider its use.
Requirements for playing The Last Post
There are certain protocols families should follow if they want The Last Post performed for a non-military funeral:
– Obtain permission – You need approval from a local veterans’ association or military band to perform The Last Post. They will ensure it is used appropriately and with respect. Expect questions on the individual’s background and contributions.
– Confirm significance – Be prepared to explain what exactly the person did to serve their country or community, or why the tune is meaningful. There should be clear rationale for using this solemn military tradition.
– Have a bugler – The Last Post should be played on a simple bugle without embellishment. Other instruments are not protocol. A bugler from a military band is ideal but talk to them if one cannot be provided.
– Follow conventions – Respect proper procedures like timing, echoes, and placement within the service. Combine it with a moment of silence and then Reveille.
– Consider alternatives – If permission is not granted, explore other meaningful musical options like Amazing Grace or a personalized favorite song.
With some planning and sensitivity to context, many families can honor their loved ones with the timeless tribute of The Last Post. The critical step is consulting military representatives to verify its appropriateness. They can offer guidance on properly incorporating this traditional bugle call or offer alternative possibilities.
Is a live bugler required?
Ideally, The Last Post should be performed live on a bugle by a formally trained military or civilian bugler. However, there can be exceptions:
– A recording may be used if no bugler is available. This is common for civilian funerals. Recordings from military bands are preferred over synthesized versions.
– For military funerals, a live bugler is mandatory. If the local band cannot provide one, they will send an approved bugler from elsewhere.
– Bugles fitted with electronic systems to amplify and sustain the notes may be allowed by some bands for live performances. Check protocols.
– Other instruments like trumpets are generally not used. The simple, unembellished bugle is traditional.
– If outdoors, an echo bugler may stand far from the service adding an echo effect. The main bugler plays Taps at the ceremony.
– For remembrance ceremonies with multiple deaths, one or two buglers may be present at a central spot like a cenotaph.
So while live bugle is strongly encouraged, recorded or electronically-enhanced versions may be permitted in certain situations after consulting the approvers. But the bugle sound should be represented, not other instruments.
Can anyone play The Last Post?
While anyone can technically play the notes on a bugle, there are rules around who can perform The Last Post at official ceremonies:
– Military funerals and memorials should only have buglers who are active duty or authorized by military bands. Usually they are trained members of military bands.
– Approved civilian buglers may play for veteran funerals if no military option is available. They should have training and play respectfully.
– Amateur buglers without training should not play The Last Post at formal ceremonies and funerals. It may be seen as inappropriate.
– Professional civilian buglers can apply to be approved by veterans’ groups. They undergo assessment on musical skill, knowledge of protocols, and decorum.
– Echo buglers who answer from a distance are often able bodied soldiers pulled from the ceremony attendees.
– Friends or family can participate by playing echo parts informally from home for small backyard services if desired.
So in summary, formally trained buglers authorized by military or veterans’ organizations are preferred. They understand proper technique and tradition. With some exceptions like family echoes, amateur musicians should avoid playing The Last Post at official funerals and memorials.
What are the lyrics?
The Last Post is traditionally performed on bugle without lyrics. However, a few different poetic verses have been written as elegies to accompany the music:
Standard lyrics:
Day is done, gone the sun
From the hills, from the lake, from the sky
All is well, safely rest
God is nigh.
Fading light dims the sight
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright
From afar, drawing near
Falls the night.
Thanks and praise for our days
Neath the sun, neath the stars, neath the sky
As we go, this we know
God is nigh.
Alternative lyrics:
The knight is dust
His good sword rust
His soul is with the saints, we trust.
His watch is done
But we fight on
To honor what he held so dear
Take comfort he is near.
Until the angels call
We hold the line
We heed the final post we hear.
The bugle sounds
The soldier rests
Now we stand for him so dear.
The mournful lyrics reflect on endings, grief, and hope. While not always sung, they add deeper meaning when included in programs or readings.
Where is a bugler positioned?
Proper positioning of the bugler is important for The Last Post. Guidelines include:
– Military funerals – The bugler stands a respectful distance from the grave or memorial site, often to the side. They should not disrupt proceedings.
– Echo buglers – One or more echo buglers stand far away to create an evocative, repeating effect. Common spots are hills, woods, or opposite ends of a field of graves.
– Indoors – Inside a church or funeral home, the bugler stands at the front facing the casket or urn. The player should have room for proper technique.
– Large memorials – For group ceremonies, buglers position centrally at the front or off to the side like a cenotaph. Sound amplifies well outdoors.
– Small services – For backyard memorials, the bugler can stand a respectful distance away to not crowd family. Echo parts can come from indoors or another direction.
Buglers should test options to ensure good acoustics and sightlines before the service. Their location lends an atmosphere of tribute without overwhelming grieving attendees. Quiet signals between coordinator and bugler help synchronize the timing.
Are there any rules on timing?
The Last Post has some guidelines around timing and structure:
– It follows the memorial service or eulogy and a moment of silence. A cue indicates to the bugler when to begin.
– The entire bugle call with echoes typically lasts between 45 and 90 seconds. This allows suitable reflection.
– There should be a pause of 10 to 15 seconds after the final note before the sounding of Reveille.
– During large memorials, longer versions up to 2-3 minutes may be appropriate for added emphasis and grandeur.
– For cremations or burials with ashes, a shorter rendering around 30 seconds is common to match the quicker pace.
– The echo effect should have a delay of a few seconds between statements. The echo buglers repeat main phrases.
– Singing of lyrics by a vocalist or choir generally follows the initial unembellished bugle call as an optional addition.
Following these timing conventions appropriately creates the right atmosphere for a dignified farewell. Allowances can be made for extra renditions or unique additions if they enhance the meaning for a particular veteran.
Should it be followed by Reveille?
Playing Reveille immediately after The Last Post is standard practice for military funerals and memorials:
– Reveille is a rousing bugle call used to wake military personnel at sunrise. It signals the start of a new day.
– Following The Last Post, Reveille represents the transition from death back into life. It symbolizes hope in the resurrection and afterlife.
– A 10-15 second pause between the two allows people to reflect on the loss represented by The Last Post before Reveille offers reassurance.
– For veteran funerals, performing both together is expected protocol. Omitting Reveille would be highly unusual.
– Some civilian funerals may only feature The Last Post on its own. However, Reveille offers additional meaning and comfort for the grieving.
– Lyrics are not typically sung with Reveille. Some ceremonies feature congregational hymns after it concludes.
The pairing of the two contrasting bugle calls creates a symbolic narrative of sunset and sunrise, loss and renewal. Reveille reaffirms ongoing life and light after the darkness of death.
Are there other musical options?
While The Last Post remains the traditional choice, families do have other musical options for funeral services and memorials:
– Hymns like Abide With Me and The Lord Is My Shepherd bring comfort through religious lyrics.
– Classical compositions such as Bach’s Air on the G String or Barber’s Adagio for Strings convey peace.
– Patriotic songs like America the Beautiful, God Bless America, or My Country Tis of Thee honor national pride for veterans.
– Taps shares a similar somber militaristic feel as The Last Post in an American context.
– Amazing Grace on bagpipes offers a stirring, melancholic sound.
– Favorite songs or instrumental pieces can reflect the individual’s personality.
– Moment of silence avoids music but still provides powerful space for reflection.
– Combinations such as Amazing Grace on bagpipes followed by The Last Post integrate different moods.
While The Last Post holds deep tradition, families should select musical options that feel most meaningful and fitting for their loved ones. Buglers can advise on creative combinations that incorporporate traditional military elements.
Conclusion
The Last Post holds profound significance as a military symbol of life ended and duty completed. Its haunting melody has marked countless military funerals and memorials. While this poignant bugle call originated as a military tradition, some civilian families also choose to incorporate The Last Post for its atmosphere of honor and tribute. If protocols are respectfully followed, its evocative notes can offer comfort and closure to all those grieving a meaningful loss. With proper military authorization, planning, and performance, The Last Post can be adapted to touch any deserving soul in their final farewells.