Tattoo set for Thursday Published May 7, 2010 ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The Robins Military Tattoo, which celebrates a centuries-old tradition, is set for May 13 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. "The Year of the Air Force Family" will be highlighted throughout the event, paying tribute to the sacrifices, contributions and overall importance of the Air Force Family. The Tattoo will include the Army's 3rd Infantry Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team, and the Air Force Reserve Band. Several aircraft, including the C-5, C-17, C-130, F-15, and E-8C JSTARS will be on display. Anyone with access to Robins is invited to attend the event in the Georgia Air National Guard hangar, Bldg. 2328. Dress is uniform of the day for military and casual dress for civilians. The military tattoo dates back to the 1800s, when drummers marched through the streets at curfew to inform British soldiers in taverns it was time to return to the barracks. The process was referred to as "Doe den tap toe," which is Dutch for "turn off the taps." The soldiers changed the phrase "tap toe" to "tattoo." It later came to signify a military performance or display.