FORT LESLEY J. MCNAIR, D.C. -- The 23rd Secretary of the United States Army Dr. Mark T. Esper, hosted the May 30th Twilight Tattoo performance in Conmy Hall at Joint Base Myer Henderson-Hall, Virginia. The performance featured Soldiers from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and The United States Army Band "Pershing's Own."
"It was a great privilege to host tonight's Twilight Tattoo performance," Esper said. "It is just a fantastic event that tells the story of our American Soldiers, from our earliest days of the Revolutionary War to today."
Twilight Tattoo is a free hour-long live military performance that provides a fast-paced journey that captures 242 years of Soldiers' stories spanning across generations of men and women who have answered the call to uphold America's freedom and democracy.
Esper, a former infantry officer, served over a decade before retiring at the rank of lieutenant colonel. His military awards and decorations, which include the Legion of Merit and Bronze Star Medal, the Kuwait Liberation Medal and Kuwait Liberation Medal -- Saudi Arabia, and the Combat Infantryman Badge, are a testament to his understanding of the sacrifices made by service members.
"By honoring the history of our Army we are honoring the American Soldier," Esper said. "It is our military that preserves our liberty, independence and freedoms. The things that we in many ways take for granted as Americans, have been paid for in the blood of our Soldiers and all of our predecessors, as well as those who serve today."
Prior to the start of the show, vocalists from The U.S. Army Chorus preform classic pop hits such as, "Shake it off" by Taylor Swift, as hundreds of patrons settle into their seat. The pre-show concluded with the crowd singing along with the vocalist to patriotic anthems.
Immediately following the preshow, Soldiers from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) units -- The U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps and the U.S. Army Drill Team; Soldier-musicians from The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own," The U.S. Army Blues, vocalists from The U.S. Army Chorus and The U.S. Army Band Downrange performed for the packed hall.
Esper enjoyed the Soldiers performances and encouraged others to attend the upcoming shows.
"This show is a definitely a must see if you are in the Washington, D.C. area," Esper said. "It is a real crowd [pleaser]. It will stir up your emotions, your pride in our country and gives you a much greater appreciation for the American Soldier."
The remaining Twilight Tattoo performances will run Wednesdays on Summerall Field on the following dates: June 6, 13, 20, 27; July18, 25; and Aug 1.
For more information and group reservations, contact the U.S. Army Military District of Washington at (202) 685-2888, or visit www.twilight.mdw.army.mil.
Related Links:
May 30 Twilight Tattoo recap video, hosted by Secretary of the Army
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