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The U.S. Army’s Twilight Tattoo

Provided by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington Friday, May 28, 2021

What is it?

The U.S. Army’s Twilight Tattoo is an action-packed military pageant. The show features Soldiers from the U.S. Army Military District of Washington’s (MDW) ceremonial units, the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own.”

The show is a time-honored tradition with vignettes that provide a glimpse into history through the eyes of the American Soldier. Twilight Tattoo has been presented every summer in the National Capital Region for audiences of all ages since 1961.

What are the current and past efforts of the Army?

Twilight Tattoo’s history dates back to the years before World War II. MDW revived the show in 1961 to showcase the talents of MDW Soldiers from the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, the U.S. Army Drill Team, the Commander-in-Chief’s Guard, the Continental Color Guard, the Caisson Platoon and the Presidential Salute Battery and musicians from the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own.”

As Twilight Tattoo grew in popularity, MDW:

  • Presented the show on behalf of the U.S. Army as a whole.
  • Adapted its location and the time of year it was performed to fit the growing needs of the American people.
  • Created a virtual version of the Twilight Tattoo series, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, to safely bring the show to global audiences. New episodes are scheduled for Wednesdays at 7 p.m. EDT in May and June on MDW’s Facebook and YouTube accounts.

What continued efforts does the Army have planned?

As technology continues to provide ever-expanding and increasingly efficient means of communication, Twilight Tattoo is uniquely poised as an effective and accessible messaging platform to a global audience.

Why is this important to the Army?

Twilight Tattoo provides a connection for the American public by demonstrating that U.S. Army history is America’s history. Highlighting the courage of the American Soldier, the innovation of the military, and professionalism of the force helps to retain the trust and the confidence of the American people. Twilight Tattoo helps to foster this connection and provide an avenue to share the Army’s purpose and senior leader priorities: people, readiness and modernization.

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Events

May 2021

Medal of Honor Recipient: Col. Ralph Puckett Jr.

May 10 - June 14: Army National Hiring Days

June 6: D-Day

June 14: Army Birthday | Visit The U.S. Army, America’s First National Insitution

Focus Quote for the Day

The Tattoo celebrates America’s Army, the strength of our nation. We will share our Army story virtually, in weekly chapters that will show how America’s Army, and the nation it serves, have grown since our founding in 1775. Our nation’s greatest generations are built on the strength of America’s strongest citizens, servicemen and women in uniform.

— Gen. James C. McConville, Chief of Staff of the Army

The U.S. Army Twilight Tattoo returns as a Web series