Traffic burden eased for this year’s Torchlight Tattoo celebration               Mike A. Glasch   Leader Staff

Those attending the Fourth of July Torchlight Tattoo ceremony should expect having an easier time leaving post after the event. According to Martin Levi, U.S. Army Soldier Support Institute (the host unit for the event), all of the gates will remain open for outbound traffic to prevent backups as seen in previous years. More than 50,000 people are expected to make their way to Hilton Field to take part in the festivities. The gates will open at 4 p.m. Parking will be available at the following sites:

–– Hilton Filed

–– SSI

–– Strom Thurmond Building

–– Floyd Spence Center

–– U.S. Army Chaplain Center and School

–– Dozier Hall

–– MG Robert B. Solomon Center

Shuttles will begin running from the satellite parking lots to Hilton Field about 4:30 p.m.  Beginning at 5 p.m., there will be refreshments for sale and games for the children. The 282nd U.S. Army Band will begin the festivities with a concert at 8 p.m. The Tattoo ceremony conducted by the 369th Adjutant General Battalion follows at 9 p.m., with a fireworks display beginning about 30 minutes later. Visitors can take food, lawn chairs and blankets. No alcoholic beverages, pets, individual fireworks or barbecue grills will be allowed at the event. The Tattoo ceremony carries forward a military tradition that traces its roots back to the Netherlands and the British Army of William the Third. Some 300 years ago, when King William’s troops were housed in Dutch villages, drummers were sent through the village streets to call the soldiers home from the inns where they were enjoying the evening’s entertainment.  The drummers would signal local innkeepers that “beer call” had ended. The Dutch words for “turn off the taps” were “doe den tap toe.” But the troops heard only “tap toe” which in time was shortened to “Tattoo.”  As the custom grew, drums were joined by fifes and other instruments, and soon full bands played for the garrison. The military tattoo was born. In the event inclement weather forces the cancellation of the event, local television and radio stations will be informed. Editor’s note: The Leader will print a special “Torchlight Tattoo” insert in the July 3 edition, with more details about the event, including a map and traffic information, and other activities that may be added.