Military Tattoo’s ‘Operation Perseverance’ pleases crowds

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The show opened with an indigenous song, highlighting the East, West, North and South, and what the accompanying seasons mean in relation to our existence.

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The crowd came expecting the usual Military Tattoo entertainment, which was provided in spades by the OMT massed pipes and drums and the Naden band of the Royal Canadian Navy. Highland dancers from across North America added movement and colour to the event.

The dancers performed in traditional highland dress, but also donned navy uniforms, grabbed bright orange umbrella’s and incorporated “Singing in the Rain” (played on bagpipes) into their routine.

A big surprise for many was a small group from Langley, a youth ukulele ensemble and choir, that delighted the audience with music from the Dobbie Brothers, Queen, Three Dog Night, Rare Earth, and a spectacular version of ”Hallelujah.”

The ensemble returned later in the program to play the Viennese Waltz, as City Dance instructors, Jens Goemar and Heather Stranks, glided across the surface of Kal Tire Place to the timeless 11th Century piece.

A veterans’ tribute paid homage to service members in the World War One, World War Two, Korea and multiple peacekeeping operations.

Special recognition was given to soldiers from India that fought for the Commonwealth.

A massive display on the foyer curated by Steven Puriwal detailed the incredible contribution of 1.5 million volunteers from India.

A number of community organizations also exhibited and the Rocky Mountain Rangers had equipment and weaponry on display outside Kal Tire Place.

There were several lighter moments, with the sporadic appearance of a birch bark canoe dubbed Tat-2, garnering some laughs from the audience.

The finale featured amazing grace with soloists Sharon Kilistoff and Neil Morrison, then shifted to a lone piper, Pipe Major Jim Wright, the massed pipe bands of the OMT and the NADEN Band of the Royal Canadian Navy, before shifting back to Major Wright to conclude the final verse on bagpipe.

“The volunteers put in a tremendous amount of work, from production, food and beverage, transportation, ushers, parking attendants and other duties. It was a Herculean undertaking,” Crerar stated.

Following a few days of relaxation, planning will start for the tenth annual Okanagan Military Tattoo, a year from now.