Tattoo salutes veterans

During the evening of Saturday November 26th, North Bay got Tattooed

TATTOO ORIGIN
The name Tattoo originates from the military tradition of shutting off beer keg taps at the end of the evening. This practice served to notify soldiers to return to their quarters. In the early 17th century, "taptoe" became tattoo, symbolizing a military display. The return to quarters signal also became more involved over the years, first with a drummer and then with a drum, pipe and bugle.

TATTOO MISSION
To produce and present a world-class international event that will stimulate Canadian patriotism, educate youth, recognize our country's debt to the Canadian Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, attract tourists, strengthen international relations and enhance the commercial position of Tattoo Sponsors

WHAT IS A TATTOO?
DOE DEN TAP TOE In the villages of 17th century Holland, a lone drummer marched through streets, beckoning to soldiers. A single command "doe den tap toe" or "turn off the taps" - ceased the flow of beer from innkeepers' taps and forced soldiers to return to their quarters. This routine increased in significance as the "tap toe" command was Anglicized as "tattoo", and evolved into a similar custom with added features. Over the years, the lone drummer's signal of Last Post became accompanied by bugles, pipes and other traditions to mark day's end.

DICTONARY tattoo (ta-tu')
1.A signal sounded on a drum or bugle to summon soldiers or sailors to their quarters at night.
2.A display of military exercises, offered as evening entertainment.
3.A continuous even drumming or rapping.

Saturday November 27th marked the Salute to the Veterans Tattoo in our fine city. Memorial Garden hosted the spectacular event, which brought together two skilled bands, the 22 Wing and 8 Wing concert band.

22 Wing Band
The 22 Wing Band is a unique organization at 22 Wing CFB North Bay. It was formed in 1990 primarily to support military ceremonial functions. The Band also supports many other events such as public concerts and charity benefits. The main concert band consists of approximately 60 personnel who, with the exception of the Band Director, are volunteer musicians from all walks of life, both military and civilian. The band also features a 16 Piece Stage Ensemble, Jazz Quartet and Sax Quarter. The Band Director is: Warrant Officer Chip Kean and Assistant Band Director is: Corporal Scott Barons

8 Wing Band
8 Wing Canadian Forces Base Trenton Concert Band began in December 1960 with a handful of volunteers at No. 6 Repair Depot (6RD), RCAF Station Trenton. Under the direction of Sgt. Gord Smith.
Support in these early years came from Group Captain D.J. Williams, Commanding Officer of RCAF Station Trenton, and Flight Lieutenant Jack Scholes, Band Officer. With newly trained players, and uniforms borrowed from 400 Squadron Pipe Band, the fledgling group began performing in public and quickly made a name for itself. By September 1962, the band supplied members to the RCAF Pipe Band at the Seattle World Fair. Then in November, sporting new full dress uniforms, the Trenton Pipe Band made its first appearance as a full-strength, self-contained unit in the Trenton Christmas parade. On 3 January 1963, the group was formally recognized by Air Force Headquarters and was authorized to form a 25-piece Pipe Band under Pipe Major Al Howie, the band's first full time, professional music director.

The Branch 23 Royal Canadian Legion Pipes & Drums/Celtic Dancers and the 400 Squadron Pipes & Drums also came together to salute our veterans.

Branch 23 Royal Canadian Legion Pipes & Drums
The band can often be found in local communities performing for various events and activities. On the odd occasion the band attends and even competes at various Highland Games

400 THS Pipes & Drums
This band wears the distinctive RCAF Tartan. The Band is part of 400 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, currently flying the Griffon CH-146. Squadron members are serving around the world today. The Band has won many awards over the decades.

The evening’s performances stirred much emotion as the bands, performers and readers took the stage. Readers: Mr. Brian Nettlefold, Mrs. Joanne Bernier, Mrs. Linda Thompson and Emilie Villeneuve.
I can’t speak for everyone who attended the moving ceremony but when the lone piper, Lieutenant-Colonel Donald P. Mulders (Host) performed Amazing Grace, I wanted to cry and when the band joined in…. I did. It was the most wonderful rendition I have ever heard. It was as though the once vast amount of air space floating above the arena was instantly filled with the souls of every fallen soldier. Soldiers like Private Braun Scott Woodfield of the 2nd battalion Royal Canadian Regiment who died serving his country, peacekeeping in Afghanistan. (1981-2005)
Submitted by: Victoria Evangeline Reed