Lt. Gen. N. Y. West, The Surgeon General of the U.S. Army and Commander of the U.S. Army Medical Command, and the entire Army Medical Command--140,000 strong--hosted the Twilight Tattoo in Conmy Hall at Fort Myer, Va., on Aug. 9, 2017.
The Twilight Tattoo is a regular summer event that showcases the precision and discipline of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment--better known as the "Old Guard"--and features the U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own." The finest in military pageantry was on display for an audience estimated at 1,500.
Special guests included Medal of Honor recipient 1st Lt. Brian Thacker, who was awarded the Medal of Honor while serving with the 1st Battalion, 92d Artillery, in action against enemy aggressor forces in Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 31 March 1971; and Desmond T. Doss, Jr., son of Medal of Honor awardee Desmond T. Doss, Sr., a combat medic and conscientious objector with the Army Medical Detachment, 307th Infantry, 77th Infantry Division. Doss, Sr., received the Medal of Honor for his courage near Urasoe Mura, Okinawa, during combat from 29 April to 21 May 1945.
The origins of the Twilight Tattoo dates back more than 300 years old when British troops were summoned at the end of the day by drum and bugle to their barracks. 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, which includes Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, the call serves as a tribute dedicated to the vitality of our nation and to the sacrifices of those who fought to keep America free.
The Twilight Tattoo is routinely held outdoors at Summerall Field, but wet grounds required a shift inside to Conmy Hall.
Since 1775, Army Medicine has responded to the call -- whenever and wherever needed -- supporting the Soldier and all those entrusted to our care. The most critical focus of Army Medicine is readiness of the Total Army, and supporting the Soldier is our primary mission. Army Medicine provides medical support to our Forces engaged in conflict across the globe, supporting our Army and the Joint Force everywhere.
Lt. Gen. N. Y. West and Army Medicine were proud to host the Twilight Tattoo to honor the selfless service of American soldiers past and present.
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