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Air Combat Command's 21st Annual Tattoo: "The New Sound of Freedom"

  • Published
  • By MSgt Verlie Vigil
  • USAF Heritage of America Band (Langley)
4 September 2008 --  On September 11, 2008, at 7:00 PM, the Heritage of America Band presented the 21st Annual Air Combat Command Air Tattoo at Langley AFB's Memorial Park. Our deputy commander Captain Matthew Reese recently sat down with Mr. Jay Welsh, the Tattoo's creator and narrator since its inception, to talk about this event's history and its future. 

Mr. Welsh, you've had a big role in the ACC Tattoo from the very beginning. So how did all of this start?

I was still on active duty in 1986 when I received a call from General Robert Russ, then commander of TAC. He said he'd just seen an event at Randolph AFB, Texas, involving a band, aircraft flyovers, and airmen from all over the base. He said it was called a "Tattoo", and wondered if we could put together something like it at Langley.

I was able to find a video of Randolph's event, which was a very sharply executed, albeit traditional military ceremony. I began thinking about all of the rich military history in our region, to include Langley, which played a central role in the development of aviation. We also had (and still have) a terrific band available right here on base. Done well, an event like this could be a very effective way to tell our story and the story of the Peninsula's more than 200-year-old relationship with America's military!

My idea was to make best use of the band by taking them off the parade ground and putting them on a stage. I then combined the band's terrific music with some elements of a traditional Tattoo ceremony, aircraft, and the dramatic narrative that ties everything together--and the ACC Tattoo was born.

How has the tattoo changed over the years?

Our tattoos have progressively evolved into more and more sophisticated productions. Each Tattoo saw more and more lighting effects; now we even use some smoke. For a number of years, we fielded a silent drill team, complete with First World War costumes. After 9-11, however, Langley's increasing deployment tempo reduced both rehearsal time and the number of Airmen available to the point that this became impractical. The Fifes and Drums from Colonial Williamsburg have always provided a touch of class and a historical perspective for the event. Last year, we put together a special historical tribute in honor of the Air Force's 60th anniversary.

What are some of the most memorable moments for you throughout the Tattoo's history?

Well, we've had our share of weather over the years--lightning, hurricanes, even tornados. One great memory was in 2003, when guest artist Dwayne O'Brian joined us, along with the USAF Heritage Flight. The most memorable moment for me each year, though, is the audience's reaction to the Tattoo.
One year, a colleague told me he'd taken his skeptical pre-teen son to the Tattoo--against his will. Afterward, his son told him not only that he was glad he came, but he was glad his father was in the Air Force. That made it all worth it for me!

What is your favorite part of the program each year?

Without a doubt, the memorial tribute near the end. In the many years we've done this, it has never failed to touch my emotions. I think it has a similar moving effect on our audience.

So, you're retiring this year--what do you think future holds for the ACC Tattoo?

I'm actually retiring for the 2nd time! I spent 30 years on active duty, retired as a Colonel and now I'm finishing up 15 more as an Air Force civilian. What the future holds for this event is largely up to the command. But in any case, I certainly hope that the Tattoo lives on, and for the record, if it does, I'll still be in the area--and will gladly stay involved.

Any parting thoughts?

Yes. Working with the band on the Tattoo each year has been one of my life's greatest pleasures. As a closet musician myself, it is a real honor to work with musicians at such a high level. I'll always treasure the opportunity I've had to do so.

Mr. Welsh, thanks so much for sharing your time with us!

My pleasure!