If you’re a music connoisseur, drum tattoos are perfect for you. Not only do these robust instrument designs exude auditory grandeur, but they’re also stunning visual treats. The term “tattoo” originated with the sound of a drum used to summon troops together. It eventually evolved into the phrase “tap toe,” which is still widely used today.
The Japan Security Forces Marching Festival, commonly known as JSDF Marching Festival, is one of Japan’s most beloved music events. Hosted by guest bands from around the globe since 1951, this annual gathering has grown in popularity over time. Hundreds of thousands flock to Nippon Budokan Hall to watch bands perform yearly. What started as a judo hall has since blossomed into an internationally renowned musical venue hosting concerts and entertainment shows. Army’s III Marine Expeditionary Force band from Okinawa and Air Force Band of Pacific-Asia from Yokota Air Base. Though festivals present challenges compared to concerts, where bands perform in front of an audience, they provide bands with the unique chance to demonstrate their full capabilities. That is especially true for the USARJ Band, which consists of various ensembles. They hope their performance will give Budokan audience members a deeper appreciation of Japan-US relations, leading to a greater understanding of both countries’ friendship. This year’s JSDF Marching Festival featured performances by military bands and drill teams worldwide – including those from the United States, Japan, France, and Singapore. Thousands of visitors packed Budokan Hall to witness this powerful display of the deeply embedded self-defense forces in Japan’s culture.
Around the world, you can enjoy numerous military-themed festivals. Experience air shows, historical reenactments or visit historic museums to gain insight into our nation’s military past.
At the annual Bowman Aviation and Military Heritage Festival in San Antonio, Texas, visitors can witness military history firsthand at this free event. Displayed aircraft from the U.S. Navy include some iconic Blue Angels formations. It’s an incredible chance for kids to experience history firsthand while being accessible for active-duty and retired veterans and their families.
Experience a more traditional setting at Fort Foster State Historic Site to witness historical reenactments from the Second Seminole War. These events feature skirmishes and firing demonstrations using 19th-century weapons, with reenactors wearing authentic uniforms from that era. This reenactment also offers a range of other activities, such as a Civil War display and an Indian camp. It’s family-friendly, with tours to the reconstructed fort and its museum.
Another event that celebrates military culture is World War II Heritage Days in Morrilton, Georgia. Here, over 500 volunteers host special events such as reenactments of battles from WWII, 1940s music shows, and veteran and historian presentations. There are plenty of other attractions at this event, like a military vehicle show and hangar dance. The festival has plenty of enjoyable activities like a horse show and a fireworks display. Plus, make sure to take advantage of the delicious cuisine at this gathering! This festival provides an invaluable opportunity for those interested in Indian military history and its relevance today.
Eskeri Kernei, or “Military Trumpet International Festival,” is a prominent military tattoo in Kazakhstan held annually on Capital City Day (July 6), an official public national holiday. The Eskeri Kernei is one of the most significant annual events for the Kazakhstan Armed Forces. This two-day celebration features stunning displays of music, dance, and military drills. Astana hosts this iconic annual event that draws participants from throughout Kazakhstan and foreign visitors. The festival’s highlight is a parade that follows after the main event, featuring drums reenacting Stalingrad’s triumphant salute to troops that won the victory.
Basel Tattoo in Switzerland has been around since 2006, and it is the world’s second-largest military tattoo by performer count and budget after the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Beyond traditional instruments like drums and bells, this event boasts a cutting-edge sound system that produces rich audio quality.
In 1961, the Rhodesian Light Infantry (RLI) was formed as a white infantry battalion within the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland army. Composed mainly of Southern Rhodesia and Britain recruits, the Battalion soon transformed into a commando regiment under Lieutenant-Colonel Peter Walls at Cranborne Barracks in Salisbury.
The RLI had been established to combat the growing political intimidation of black Rhodesians by two rival communist-backed revolutionary parties. This caused a long and bitterly-fought Rhodesian Bush War, which continued until 1979 and culminated in the Lancaster House Agreement.
One of the critical aspects of the Bush War was ZIPRA cadres’ guerrilla attacks against rural whites, armed with Soviet-designed AK-47 assault rifles and anti-aircraft weapons. These were primarily black rural Rhodesians whose actions against their local white population went largely unreported by security forces.
On August 1, 1967, 79 ZIPRA and South African Umkhonto we Sizwe fighters crossed the Zambezi into Rhodesia on their way west for Wankie Game Reserve near Botswana’s border. After killing ten men, they set up their bases about 20 kilometers (12 mi) east of Victoria Falls.
While Rhodesian security forces were chasing after the insurgents, some of their cadres took over several farm and kraal properties along the route between Karoi and Makuti as ‘bases’ to conceal their activities. It was when David Scammel, a game ranger, discovered bootprints on March 14, 1968, that he became aware of their presence.
Once security forces had identified the insurgents’ presence, they needed to devise a plan of escape. They moved into Camp Four – about 40 meters (125 feet) wide, where several ‘bases’ were constructed. At this point, security forces began engaging the cadres. On July 18, 12 Troop, 3 Commando, led by Second Lieutenant Jerry Strong, was deployed into a defensive position. In an act of bravery and self-sacrifice, Strong and Lance-Corporal Terry Lahee crawled forward on their bellies to provide cover fire for Rhodesian security forces while throwing grenades at the enemy.
