60 Soldiers enlist in the Army National Guard during Twilight Tattoo

Photo By Sgt. Nicholas Holmes | Soldiers form the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) conduct a Twilight Tattoo performance, hosted by Lt. Gen. Timothy J. Kadavy, director of the Army National Guard, in Conmy Hall, Joint Base Myer Henderson-Hall, Va., July 18, 2018. Prior to the performance, Kadavy administered the oath of enlistment to 60 young men and women who joined the ranks of the Army National Guard during a future Soldier swearing-in ceremony. (U.S. Army photos by Sgt. Nicholas T. Holmes)  

FORT LESLEY J. MCNAIR, DC, UNITED STATES

07.18.2018

Story by Sgt. Nicholas Holmes 

Joint Task Force - National Capital Region

FORT LESLEY J. MCNAIR, D.C. – Hundreds of audience members file into Conmy Hall, on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, July 18, to see The U.S. Army Military District of Washington’s, most popular and free ceremonial performance.

Twilight Tattoo is an hour-long live military performance that provides a fast-paced journey that captures 243 years of Soldiers’ stories spanning across generations of men and women who have answered the call to uphold America’s freedom and democracy.

This special performance was hosted by Lt. Gen. Timothy J. Kadavy, director of the Army National Guard.

The National Guard is a unique element of the U.S. military that serves both community and country. The Guard responds to domestic emergencies, overseas combat missions, counterdrug efforts, reconstruction missions and more.

During the pre-show, vocalists from The U.S. Army Chorus preform classic pop hits such as, Bruno Mars Uptown Funk, as patrons settle into their seat.

Following the pre-show, Kadavy administered the oath of enlistment to 60 young men and women who joined the ranks of the Army National Guard during a future Soldier swearing-in ceremony.

“This is a very important event for the men and women who choose to serve in the United States Armed Forces,” Kadavy said, before administering the oath. “These men and women represent the best America has to offer, volunteering to put themselves in harm’s way to protect our Nation. I would like to thank everyone who has had a role in teaching, raising or coaching these individuals.”

Many of the future Soldiers had their own reasons for joining and were excited to begin training.

“My grandmother had a big influence on my decision to join,” said Henrietta Perrow-Durant, a future military police Soldier. “When she was young the only opportunity she saw was becoming a secretary, I want her to be proud that I am taking advantage of all this great opportunities. Also, being a proud Washingtonian, I want to have a positive impact on my community.”

“This is something I have always felt obligated to do,” said Daniel Pryor, a Lancaster, Virginia native. “I choose [combat engineer] because it is a combat role and a hands on field. I am very happy with my decision and excited to serve in the Army National Guard.”

Immediately following the preshow, Soldiers from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) units – The U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps and the U.S. Army Drill Team; Soldier-musicians from The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” The U.S. Army Blues, vocalists from The U.S. Army Chorus and The U.S. Army Band Downrange preformed for the packed hall.

The final two Twilight Tattoo performances will run Wednesdays in Conmy Hall, on July 25 and Aug 1. Performances begin at 7 p.m., with pre-show performances beginning 30 minutes prior.

For more information and group reservations, contact the U.S. Army Military District of Washington at [phone], or visit www.twilight.mdw.army.mil.

• Date Taken: 07.18.2018
• Date Posted: 07.19.2018 15:30
• Story ID: 284957
• Location: FORT LESLEY J. MCNAIR, DC, US