Belgian Defense organizes international Tattoo for the first time

The four music bands of the Polish, American, French and Belgian armed forces presented their own program based on the liberation of Belgium in the Second World War. 150 professional musicians bring a dazzling musical show, enhanced with video images and a light show, each time in the open air at a historic location.

A tattoo is a real military tradition. It comes from the time when the bands of music preceded the military to the battlefield, with drum rolls and trumpet blasts to give signals. That is where the tradition originated and an entire show is now being built around it.

Liberation of Belgium

From Tuesday 31 May to Saturday 4 June, the tattoo will travel in five Belgian cities: Mons, Namur, Sint-Truiden, Bruges and Brussels. This tattoo was originally planned in May 2020, following the commemoration of 75 years of the liberation of Belgium. The tattoo was planned for two years ago, but that was not possible due to the corona situation.

National and international cooperation

With this tattoo, Defense wants to emphasize that ‘cooperation’ is one of the most important basic pillars of the organisation, both nationally and internationally. Moreover, Defense wants to be an active partner in and of society. The importance of international cooperation is emphasized by the participation of three foreign military music bands.

Burning topical theme

The theme “The Value of Freedom” is the common thread in this show. In the current international context, the theme is highly topical. The Ministry of Defense is convinced that the power of music will move everyone and convince even more to reflect on the value of peace and freedom.