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NEWS | July 7, 2022

U.S. Army Reserve hosts Twilight Tattoo

By Sgt. Maria Elena Casneiro U.S. Army Reserve Command

Hundreds of spectators filed into Conmy Hall at Joint Base Meyer-Henderson Hall, Virginia, on June 22 to watch performers pay homage to the U.S. Army’s place in our American history.

Twilight Tattoo is an event that displays military pageantry and recognizes service members and their families. Soldiers from the U.S. Army Military District of Washington's ceremonial units, the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and the U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" performed during the one-hour show.

As the host of the evening’s show, the Army Reserve put the spotlight on its role in 247 years of Army service. Lt. Gen. Jody J. Daniels, chief of Army Reserve and commanding general, U.S. Army Reserve Command, spoke at a reception prior to the performance.

“It’s a special opportunity for us to highlight the substantial depth and value that our Soldiers bring to the total force,” Daniels said. “Keeping in mind the theme of Total Army, the Army Reserve has played a significant role since before World War I.”

The preshow featured the U.S. Army Voices and Army Blues performing music renditions.

“The crowd really loves it,” said tableaux actor Staff Sgt. Erica Schwartz, a viola player in the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” “and it sets the tone for everyone to be receptive and engaged.”

It's also a chance for senior leaders to meet the public. Daniels and Command Sgt. Maj. Andrew J. Lombardo, command sergeant major of the Army Reserve, made their rounds through the aisles and did their part in getting the audience excited for the show.

“It‘s really interesting to see leaders from all over the Army come for this event,” Schwartz said. “It raises the morale for the Soldiers that participate. It's great to see the VIPs interacting with the civilians, and it's just great that they take the time to come here and participate.”

As the preshow ends, vignettes are performed that represent a moment in time when America’s Soldiers answered the nation’s call. The performers are all service members and work cohesively to bring to life these historical events.

“It's really very much an all-out show, and it goes through the history of the Army,” Schwartz said. “The purpose of Twilight Tattoo is to engage the public with the history of the Army and to give the public a really positive representation of Soldiers.”

Events such as Twilight Tattoo allow the U.S. Army Reserve to showcase to the public the impact and sacrifice service members and their families make. Bridging the gap between our internal audience and the external audience allows the Total Army to connect with the American people.

In her closing remarks, Daniels shared a message of gratitude and support to the audience.

“Thanks to all of you — leaders, influencers, friends, and family — for continuing to advocate for our Soldiers and for their families. We also need your continued support in sharing the Army and the Army Reserve story. … Help us tell them what the Army Reserve is all about.”

This year’s Twilight Tattoo performances continue to run every Wednesday until July 27.