Special Opening Event: One Hundred Nights of Taps Gettysburg 2023

On the evening of Memorial Day, it’s the first of One Hundred Nights of Taps marking the official opening of these nighly events at the Gettysburg National Cemetery.

At 5:30, a Gettysburg Licensed Battlefield Guide offers a free interpretive program exploring the aftermath of the Battle of Gettysburg and the creation of the National Cemetery.

Beginning at 7 p.m., a program of distinguished speakers begins followed by rounds of “Taps” filling the air on this special evening as the famous 24-note call is sounded throughout the Cemetery.

Speaking from near Soldiers’ National Monument are the Library of Congress’ Civil War Specialist Michelle A. Krowl, Lieutenant General Christopher F. Burne, USAF (Retired), Mayor Rita C. Frealing, Gettysburg National Military Park Superintendent Steven D. Sims, and Event Founder Wendy Allen, representing the Lincoln Fellowship of Pennsylvania.

From Memorial Day through Labor Day, visitors can expect a 5:30 guided tour and a 7 PM rendition of taps every evening.

Trumpeters throughout One Hundred Nights include active duty military bands, members of the National Symphony in Washington, Baltimore Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, retired military, educators, students, and full time professional performers, as well as many who play for the sheer love of performing.

The Lincoln Fellowship of Pennsylvania and Gettysburg National Military Park co-sponsor the seventh year of One Hundred Nights of Taps, Gettysburg in partnership with Taps for Veterans and Gettysburg’s Licensed Battlefield Guides.