Have you witnessed a military tattoo right here in Fiji?

For most us, the answer would be, “No!”

Well… now is your opportunity.

As part of its 100th Anniversary Celebration, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Band will perform a military tattoo at the ANZ Stadium, Suva on December 8 at 7pm.

Traditionally a military tattoo includes the performance of music and display that has now evolved to include theatrics and musical performances conducted at sunset with special lights effects and displays.

The term comes from the early 17th century Dutch phrase doe den tap toe  which means  to “turn off the tap”, a signal sounded by drummers or trumpeters to instruct inn keepers near military garrisons to stop serving beer and for soldiers to return to their barracks.

The Military Tattoo hosted by the RFMF will include a special tribute segment dedicated to former members of the RFMF Band.

This is to acknowledge their sacrifice, sweat, blood and tears since 1917.

There will also be a mass choir of 100 personnel participating, musical theatric performances by members of the RFMF and a combined cultural performance by various local groups and schools.

The military tattoo will be something similar to the Edinburgh Tattoo in Scotland where the RFMF Band has taken part with other military bands from around the world.

Since 1965, the RFMF band has been invited to participate with some of the best military bands in the world in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Scotland.

Most recently they were invited to take part with other military bands from the Commonwealth during the Queen’s 90th Anniversary Celebration in the United Kingdom.

In celebrating the RFMF Band’s centennial anniversary this year, the Commander RFMF Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto has given the green light for the Band to visit the major Centres around the country and to celebrate the anniversary with members of the public.  The band has made it their mission to visit and entertain the underprivileged and senior citizens – and to also conduct community work for them where necessary.

They have made surprise visits to a number of Special Schools, Orphanages and the Old People’s Home around the country.

Let us show our support to the RFMF Band by coming out in numbers to the ANZ Stadium to watch what is expected to be a spectacular show.

Feedback:  maikab@fijisun.com.fj