Tracing Air Force heritage through music

The Air Force Band of Flight performs at the Air Force Materiel Command Tattoo ceremony at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base June 29. A crowd of more than 60,000 from southwest Ohio, eastern Indiana and northen Kentucky were treated to patriotic music, aircraft flyovers and fireworks during the 60th Anniversary of the U.S. Air Force commemorative event. (Spencer P. Lane/U.S. Air Force)

Crowd of more than 60,000 come out for Air Force tattoo

Published Nov. 14, 2008
By 1st Lt. Holly Layer
88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Despite the threat of rain, more than 60,000 base and community members came out June 29 to celebrate Independence Day Wright-Patterson-style.

The wet weather brought a cool breeze to the grounds of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force that allowed spectators to enjoy the show without sweltering.

"This year's tattoo was absolutely spectacular," said Gen. Bruce Carlson, Air Force Materiel Command commander. "All I have heard is unanimous fantastic feedback from folks who attended.

"Something of this magnitude does not succeed without the hard work and attention to detail from everyone involved. My heartfelt thanks go out to anyone who played the slightest role in this year's success. We have set the benchmark for future tattoos."

More than a dozen aircraft whizzed by the stage, including the Air Force's newest addition, the F-22 Raptor, and a familiar favorite, the C-5 Galaxy.

The U.S. Air Force Band of Flight, Tops in Blue and the Air National Guard Band of the Great Lakes entertained the crowd with music and performances on stage.

At 10 p.m. fireworks -- one spelling out "USA" -- lit up the sky over the museum.