Tradition showcases the American Soldier
Fort Belvoir Public Affairs
Photo by Marny Malin
The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps performs some of the United States’ oldest military music for audiences at the Twilight Tattoo.
Fifes tweeted, horns blew, drums beat, helicopters roared, cannons boomed and children of all ages screamed during one of the final performances of the season of the Military District of Washington’s Twilight Tattoo at Fort McNair June 24.
Twilight Tattoo is a sunset military pageant featuring the discipline, pomp and precision of the Soldiers of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), troop, and ceremonial units.
During the hour-long performance, a crowd of thousands was entertained by the vocal ensemble, Downrange, accompanied by The U.S. Army Blues; The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own,“ The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, The Continental Color Guard carrying flags of the U.S. and its territories; and, The Old Guard Caisson Platoon mounted on their steeds.
Visitors from as far away as California oohed and ahhed as the U.S. Army Drill Team twirled and tossed bayonet-tipped 1903 Springfield rifles.
Several times during the performance, the 3rd U.S. Infantry Salute Guns Platoon fired their cannon causing screams from startled spectators.
Soldiers dressed in iconic period uniforms took spectators on a fast-paced journey from the Army of Revolutionary times to the modern Soldier serving around the world in defense of freedom.
The audience cheered loudly and stood applauding as Downrange sang Toby Keith’s “American Soldier,“ and Soldiers dressed in the current Army Combat Uniform entered the field in tactical formation.
As the song and the performance reached its crescendo, a Blackhawk helicopter rose and hovered nearby before dipping its nose and roaring off into the distance.
At the end of the presentation, the performers were mobbed as the throng of thrilled youngsters and appreciative and proud veterans took to the field for a closer look, and the opportunity for pictures and autographs.
