Photo By Staff Sgt. Anne Henry | Marines with platoon six, Alpha Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team Company and members...... read more read more
Subscribe
NORFOLK Va.- The second the sharp pop from the pistol was made, the Marines from Alpha Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team Company and members of the U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Security Response Team took off at a neck and neck sprint toward an obstacle course. The air was thick with competition between the two branches as they threw themselves over barriers and darted through tunnels.
This was only one of the many performances featured at the Virginia International Tattoo which was held April 23-26 at the Norfolk Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia.
“It has been great getting to represent the Marine Corps here,” said Marine Lance Cpl. Samuel F. Heller, a designated marksman with Alpha Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team Company. “It has been great getting to meet and interact with (people) from other countries and learning about what they have to bring to the table.”
The course contained obstacles similar to those found on any Marine obstacle course and took both services no more than 30 seconds to complete.
With the theme of “a tribute to military families”, the event featured performances from eight countries, showcasing their militaries and the traditions they represent.
“This is the 19th edition of the Virginia International Tattoo with eight nations being represented,” said Canadian Royal Air Force Capt. Fraser Clark, the conducting officer with 8th Wing Trenton Pipes and Drums. “There are military musicians, pipes and drums, dancers, and drill teams all coming together in the spirit of artistic integrity to preform and celebrate peace and democracy in the western world.”
The Tattoo presented displays from, the Massed Pipes and Drums, a group of bands from different countries, to performances from the Marine Corps Base Quantico Band, giving the participants the opportunity to learn about other cultures and their allies, said Marine Capt. Jeremy Oberdove, the platoon commander of platoon six, Alpha Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team Company Marine Corps Security Force Regiment.
Camaraderie played a key role throughout the event allowing the participants to learn and grow from each other, said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Robert A. Szabo, the director and officer-in-charge of the Marine Corps Base Quantico Band.
“The Virginia International Tattoo is a culminating event which brings international bands, dancers and bagpipers all together for camaraderie,” said Szabo. “By meeting musicians from international others who share a similar occupation, you become better and learn from others.”
The overall objective of the festival was to pay a tribute to the sacrifices made by the families of those in the military.
“I know the sacrifices that my family has had to make,” said Szabo. “I know that because of the demands of our job that my Marines and their families have all made sacrifices too. When we can come to an event like this which is the largest in our country and the third largest in the world, it’s important to involve them.”
The Quantico Marine Corps Band specifically played music to acknowledge military families.
“The theme is military families and (the song) ‘Let it be me’ is a tribute to our families in the band,” said Szabo. “We also included photographs and interviews of the Marines and their families within our show.”
The Tattoo ultimately left the audience and participants with a greater understanding of the cultures and countries from around the world.
“I think it is going to give (the participants) and (the audience) a greater understanding of our international allies around the world,” said Oberdove. “I think it (brings) a shared understanding and appreciation for both our similarities and differences.”
| Date Taken: | 04.27.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 04.28.2015 20:07 |
| Story ID: | 161598 |
| Location: | NORFOLK, VA, US |
| Hometown: | TRENTON, ON, CA |
| Hometown: | CLEVELAND, OH, US |
| Hometown: | WELLSBURG, WV, US |
| Web Views: | 173 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, FAST Company amazes audience at 19th Virginia International Tattoo, by SSgt Anne Henry, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
LEAVE A COMMENT