Charlie Daniels Band to headline AFMC "Freedom's Call" Tattoo 2008

  • Published
  • By Kathleen A.K. Lopez
  • Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- --  The Charlie Daniels Band will be a featured attraction in an evening of patriotism and excitement Friday, June 27, when the base welcomes the legendary singer and his band for the fourth annual "Freedom's Call" Tattoo.

Held on the grounds adjacent to the National Museum of the United States Air Force, Freedom's Call Tattoo is an adaption of a time-honored military tradition that features ceremonial music, military aircraft flyovers, airpower demonstrations, static displays and evening fireworks. Additionally, this year's event will include an enlistment ceremony of new Air Force recruits from the Dayton area, recognition of local family support organizations, and medal presentations to active and retired Air Force servicemen and women.

The event is free and open to the public.

"'In just four years, Freedom's Call has established itself as an impressive, off-the-charts educational and patriotic event that has become a must-do summer outing for people of all ages and backgrounds," said Col. Colleen Ryan, 88th Air Base Wing commander. "It's an event that presents a two-fold opportunity: It joins together the base and surrounding communities to honor the men and women serving in our armed forces, and it enables citizens first-hand observation of the military capability those men and women use to fight to preserve our freedom. 

"Keeping in line with the Air Force's recently released advertising campaign, 'Above All,' patrons no doubt will leave knowing its Air Force is tip of the spear when it comes to defending our nation's freedom," she said.

"Add to this momentum, the sounds of a music legend such as Charlie Daniels, and his band, and this year's event is sure to be the most patriotic and memorable to date," Col. Ryan said.

Gates open at 4:30 p.m., and the ceremony will begin at 8 p.m..

One of the most user-friendly changes patrons will notice is parking. At least 3,000 new parking spaces are being added, provided by neighboring Wright State University, the colonel said. The Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority is also on board, and will provide park-and-ride services from the university.

"It's a family-oriented event," Col. Ryan said. "There are so many activities for kids and adults, including the debut of an information and technology exhibit of military capabilities both currently employed and developed here at Wright-Patterson. We change the venue a little bit from year to year, so patrons don't know exactly what to expect."

In addition to the display, there will be game tents for kids, sponsor booths and local bands. Signaling the Tattoo' s official start at 8 p.m. will be a line-up of active-inventory aircraft, led by the F-22 Raptor, which is tentatively scheduled, followed by a quick-moving multi-faceted recognition ceremony, accompanied by music provided by the U.S. Air Force Band of Flight. The Charlie Daniels Band will take the stage at 9 p.m. and play for nearly an hour before the evening concludes at 10 p.m. with one of the most dynamic fireworks displays in southwest Ohio. 

For more information, log onto www.wpafb.af.mil/tattoo.