Off the Cuff

[#1]

I have always loved going to the Norfolk Military Tattoo for the U. S. Military bands, the great singing, and the entertainment from different parts of the world. When I was told the 2010 AAA Chairman’s Cruise was going to stop in Edinburgh for their Tattoo, I was thrilled. This years Tattoo celebrated its 60^th anniversary with a production featuring amazing performances from a number of many countries. The pipes and drums, along with military bands served as a great sample of Scottish military musical history.

The Citadel Military College band of South Carolina was a favorite of mine. Hundreds of pipers, dancers and a reenactment of troops meeting a group of natives in Afghanistan gave the enthusiastic crowd 90 exciting minutes. One of my favorite things about Tattoos is the military precision that keeps the bands and entertainment following one another without interruption. It is an amazing thing to see.

Even better, the Tattoo, presented each year during August, is about to undergo a renovation for the 2011 season with new viewing stands, restrooms and concessions. The one thing I didn’t like were the stadium seats which our guide said were bought years ago from a German stadium. Those Germans must have been a lot smaller than my 80 Americans. If you are interested in seeing the tattoo, the easiest way is to book a group tour early as the companies get the best seats.

Everybody wants to know where the name originated. The word Tattoo is derived from “Doe den tap toe” the Dutch for “last orders.” When the British adopted the practice it became a signal played by regiments of Drums and Pipes each night for tavern owners to turn off the beer taps.

 

The Edinburgh Tattoo is certainly exciting but my heart belongs to the Norfolk Tattoo with its local military bands, Canadian pipers and hometown talent and spirit. April is the month to be in Norfolk for this celebration which includes the Azalea Festival. The Festival Parade is great fun to watch and the city is surrounded by glorious blossoms.

[#2]

I went to a Tattoo in Washington, D.C. by the Marine Corps band and it was absolutely incredible. Aside from the precision of the drummers, and the precision of the gun corps choreographed to perfection, the whole experience filled me with an almost overwhelming pride. It was as if their performance was a symbol of the military, and although I'm a self-professed pacifist, it really touched me. Wow.