Jackspeak of the Royal Canadian Navy

Military Tattoo

A military performance of music or a display of armed forces in general. The term comes from the early 17th century Dutch phrase "doe den tap toe" ("turn off the tap"), a signal sounded by drummers or trumpeters to instruct innkeepers near military garrisons to stop serving beer and for soldiers to return to their barracks. The tattoo was originally solely made up of military music, but has now evolved into more elaborate shows involving theatrics and musical performances.

Added: 2014-11-01 Last modified: 2014-11-01