Bidding Farewell to Scholz: Witness the Grand Tattoo Live Streamway
- Duration: Approximately 2 minutes
Live-Broadcast of Olaf Scholz Undergoing a Grand Tattoo Session - Live broadcast presents Olaf Scholz's dramatic action
As his tenure as the Federal Chancellor comes to a close after almost 3.5 years, Olaf Scholz (SPD) will be bid adieu by the German Military with the Grand Tattoo on Monday evening at the Berlin headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Defense.
This ceremony, standing tall at the pinnacle of military homage, plays a crucial role in fortifying the solidarity among the troops and strengthening the bond between the military and the populace.
A Rich Historical Root: The Grand Tattoo
Originating from the epoch of landsknechts in the 1500s, the tradition has its roots in the announcement of nightly rest in taverns by troop leaders. This symbolic gesture, followed by thePermission Not Granted (drumming) was the origin of the name "tattoo." Over the ages, this signal has evolved and been enriched with trumpet, flute, and drum music.
The current ceremonial form traced back to the Wars of Liberation, where the ritual was expanded to include a brief evening song and later, a prayer. Today's Grand Tattoo of the Armed Forces consists of the heralding of the musicians, the appearance of the music corps, a blessing, and the national anthem.
There are both personnel and occasion-specific Grand Tattoos. Personalized Grand Tattoos take place in larger scales to honor meritorious officials at the end of their service. This includes Federal Presidents, Defense Ministers, high-ranking military officers such as General and Admirals - which also includes the Federal Chancellors[1]. On the other hand, occasion-specific Grand Tattoos are more frequent, taking place on momentous occasions or special anniversaries.
Scholz's Musical Picks for the Grand Tattoo
A unique aspect of personal-based Grand Tattoos involves the three musical pieces chosen by the honorees for the music corps to play. Scholz has selected "In My Life" by The Beatles, an excerpt from Johann Sebastian Bach's "Brandenburg Concerto No. 2," and "Respect" by Aretha Franklin.
Previous honorees, like Angela Merkel, have had "Du hast den Farbfilm vergessen" by Nina Hagen and "Für mich soll's rote Rosen regnen" by Hildegard Knef played for them. Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg (CSU) opted for "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple, while his successor Ursula von der Leyen (CDU) chose "Wind of Change" by the Scorpions. Federal President Joachim Gauck wished for "Über sieben Brücken musst Du gehen" by Karat[1].
The Grand Tattoo for Scholz is expected to commence on Monday at 9:30 PM, with Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD), and the Inspector General of the Armed Forces, Carsten Breuer, anticipated as prominent attendees, along with other distinguished guests from the political and social spheres[2].
Controversy and Critique
The Grand Tattoo, due to its historical connotations and symbolism, has drawn criticism from some who see it as a direct representation of Prussian parades and Nazi torchlight processions and a symbol of Prussian and German militarism[2]. Nevertheless, amid these perspectives, the Grand Tattoo remains a cornerstone of German culture and tradition, serving as a symbol of respect and recognition for significant figures, as seen in the honoring of Angela Merkel. [1] [2]
- Despite his impending departure, Olaf Scholz will not be able to get to the bottom of the Grand Tattoo's historical roots, as he celebrates his grand deployment from the Federal Chancellor role during the live stream of the ceremony on social-media, entertainment platforms.
- As part of Scholz's personalized Grand Tattoo, Johann Sebastian Bach's "Brandenburg Concerto No. 2" will be played, adding a unique Beatles touch with "In My Life" and a nod to the soul music era with Aretha Franklin's "Respect."
- The tattoo, which originates from the 1500s and has become an integral part of military homage, has been subject to criticism for its historical connotations and symbolism, particularly its associations with Prussian parades, Nazi torchlight processions, and German militarism.
- During Monday's Grand Tattoo, notable attendees such as Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, and the Inspector General of the Armed Forces, Carsten Breuer, will join the celebration, highlights of a grand lineup of prominent political and social guests.
