Photo By Petty Officer 3rd Class Danny Nunez | 180427-N-MU198-0261 NORFOLK (Apr. 27, 2018) A riderless horse is led past a massed...... read more read more
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NORFOLK – Nine Medal of Honor recipients attended the Virginia International Tattoo Festival, an annual performance exhibiting military bands and performers from around the world, as part of the Virginia Arts Festival at the Norfolk Scope Arena held Apr. 26 through Apr. 29.
The festival displayed themes of honor and patriotism as well as a moving salute to Medal of Honor recipients, the highest award for valor in action that can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Forces in the United States.
The origins of the International tattoos stem from a 17th-century European tradition of military drummers alerting soldiers that it was time to their barracks for the evening. After hearing the call of the local regiments’ fifes and drums, the Dutch Low County innkeepers would call “doe den tap toe!” – “turn off the taps!” The “tap too” evolved over time, and the world “tattoo” now refers to a ceremonial performance of military music by massed bands.
“I’m really enjoying myself here,” said Mike Thornton, a Medal of Honor recipient and former member of SEAL Team ONE. “The great thing about all this is every country has their own music. If everyone could get together like this, there would be no problems. It is great to see everyone get together here and enjoy the music.”
Roger H.C. Donlon, a Medal of Honor recipient and former member of the United States Army, also shared mutual sentiments on the event.
“My father served in World War I, my brother served in World War II, and I came along in the Vietnam War. Now my niece is serving,” said Donlon. “That’s a nice bookend for 100 years of service. That’s what I’m celebrating. And here we have a celebration of NATO allies between the international language of music.”
But service to one’s country can cost the ultimate price, and the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment was there to pay respects. Nicknamed the “Old Guard,” the regiment is the Army’s official ceremonial unit and escort to the president of the United States.
“This is the first time we have done the changing of the guard outside of Arlington,” said Maj. Rob Lodewick, the regiment’s public affairs officer. “This isn’t something we usually do, but we came honoring the Medal of Honor recipients and those who have passed.”
Since its creation in 1861, more than 3,400 Medals of Honor have been awarded to America’s most courageous troops. But due to the medal’s nature, many of those brave men and women posthumously received the award.
“My medal I wear around my neck, I wear it for those who gave their utmost, who gave it their all,” said Thornton. “They did it for our freedoms and so we can enjoy things like this. Their sacrifice makes this possible. Freedom is written in blood.”
| Date Taken: | 04.27.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 05.07.2018 09:21 |
| Story ID: | 275096 |
| Location: | NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 71 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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