Significance of WW1

When do you hear this song? The last post as played is played at the end of inspection it typically lasts for about 45 seconds: When played ceremonially  with notes held for longer, pauses extended, and the expression mournful, Typical duration could be 75 seconds or more.  This custom dates back to the 17th century or earlier.

Why is this song significant/important to NZ?  Everyday at 5pm, a last post ceremony was conducted on the forecourt of the national War memorial in Wellington, the Last Post is a bugle call with two generally accepted purposes. The first is an implied summoning of the spirits of the fallen to the cenotaph, the second symbolically ends the day. 

What is the history behind the last post - why was it played and when It originated with British troops stationed in the Netherlands, where it drew on an older Dutch custom, called taptoe, from which comes the term tattoo as in Military tattoo. The taptoe was also used to signal the end of the day, but originated from a signal that beer taps had to be shut, hence that the day had ended.

What does this song represent? the Last Post is the bugle call that signifies 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 and at commemorative services such as Anzac Day and Remembrance Day