Police Military Tattoo tickets on sale

York Regional Police is reminding residents that tickets are now on sale for the first York Regional Police Military Tattoo, held to honour those who give tirelessly and selflessly for the protection and safety of the community.

The Tattoo will be this saturday (April 19) at the Ray Twinney Complex in Newmarket. Tickets are available through the Newmarket Theatre at www.newmarkettheatre.ca, by calling (905) 953-5122, or through the link on the police Web site at www.yrp.ca

Whether here at home or far abroad, police services across the country and Canadian Armed Forces provide safety, security and quality of life for all Canadians. The Military Tattoo is aimed at honouring these heroes among us.

Originally, a military tattoo was an evening drum or bugle signal recalling soldiers to their quarters. The term "tattoo" comes from the Dutch term "Doe den tap toe," which literally means "turn off the taps." It dates from the 17th century, when drummers from the garrison were sent into the towns at 9:30 p.m. each evening to inform the soldiers it was time to return to barracks. This encouraged the innkeepers to stop serving beverages and send the soldiers home for the night. The drums continued playing until the curfew at 10 p.m.

In modern times, a military tattoo is a performance of music, precision marching and military exercises and has become quite an entertaining event.

The first York Regional Police Tattoo will feature the York Regional Police Chief's Ceremonial Unit, Male Chorus, Pipe and Drums and Highland Dancers as well as the Traffic, Air Support and Canine Units. Also attending will be the 78th Fraser Highlanders, the Military Reenactment Society of Canada, the Toronto Scottish Regiment Pipes and Drums, the Toronto Police and Toronto Fire Pipes and Drums, the Hamilton Police Pipes and Drums, the Waterloo Regional Police Ceremonial Band and Colour Parties from a number of police services, among other guests.

All proceeds will be donated to the Military Family Fund, supporting families of soldiers injured or killed in the line of duty and Special Olympics Ontario, a cause supported by Detective Constable Rob Plunkett, who died in the line of duty in August. Special Olympics Ontario is dedicated to promoting a more active and better quality of life for people who have an intellectual disability through their involvement in sport. Constable Plunkett's niece, Erin Roy, will carry the Flame of Hope torch into the theatre on behalf of Special Olympians. She was one of three finalists selected to carry the torch for a leg of the run at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Special Olympian Bruce Penner will also be on hand to welcome guests.