ARLINGTON Va. - - Join the Soldiers of the U.S. Army Military District of Washington as they honor the heroes of the Korean War during a special production of Twilight Tattoo Wednesday evening, July 24 at Joint Base Myer - Henderson Hall's Whipple Field.
The high-energy show's theme 'Heroes Remembered' commemorates the 60th Anniversary of the signing of the Korean War Armistice and is hosted by the Under Secretary of the Army the Honorable Joseph W. Westphal. Korean War Veterans, Medal of Honor recipients and members of Congress will also be in attendance.
Twilight Tattoo is an hour-long military pageant featuring Soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own." This event will provide a glimpse into American history through unique performances by The U.S. Army Blues, vocalists from The U.S. Army Band Downrange, The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, and The U.S. Army Drill Team.
Free to the Public
All Twilight Tattoo performances are free and open to the public. Due to budget constraints unfortunately there will be no bleachers for Twilight Tattoo shows this year. Grass seating is available and its recommended guests bring a blanket or lawn chairs. For more information on group reservations, contact MDW Public Affairs at (202) 685-2888.
Twilight Tattoo 2013 Schedule
Twilight Tattoo performances begin at 7 PM. Pre-ceremony pageantry begins at 6:45 PM. Performances will be located at Whipple Field on JBM-HH. Field locations may vary, please check the http://twilight.mdw.army.mil/home web site prior to attending a specific date.
****Tentative schedule for planning purposes only. Dates are subject to change. ****
Wednesday -- July 24 & 31
Wednesday -- Aug. 7, 14, 21 & 28
History
The history of Twilight Tattoo began more than 300 years ago as British troops were summoned from the warmth and hospitality of local pubs by a bugle and drum call to return to the barracks. The familiar tune told tavern owners "doe den tap toe," or "time to turn off the taps." The troops knew the call to mean "taps off," and minutes later they were back in their tents.
The modern-day call is known as "Tattoo" and during basic training the call signals the time to quiet down and hit the bunks. For the U.S. Army Military District of Washington (MDW), the call serves as a tribute dedicated to the vitality of our nation and to the sacrifices of those who forged America into the land of the free and the home of the brave. It is for our forefathers and fellow Americans that MDW proudly presents "Twilight Tattoo."
The MDW Twilight Tattoo can trace its own history back to the years before World War II. At that time, on the grounds of Fort Myer in Arlington, Va., the 3rd Cavalry Regiment held military shows during the winter months. The Military District of Washington revived the traditional show in 1961 to showcase the talents of its ceremonial units.
As Twilight Tattoo grew in popularity, the Army adapted the show, its location and the time of year it was performed to fit the growing needs of the American people. Settling on performances in Washington, D.C., throughout the summer months, has allowed for thousands of audience members to experience the ceremony and pageantry of the United States Army.
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