Saying Goodbye to Scholz: Watch the Grand Tattoo Livestream ( Revised )
- Duration: Approx 2 minutes
Live Broadcast of Olaf Scholz Received Grand Ink Art Treatment - Live broadcast showcases Olaf Scholz's grand spectacle
As his nearly 3.5-year term as Federal Chancellor comes to a close, Olaf Scholz (SPD) will be bid adieu by the German Armed Forces with a grand ceremony, the Grand Tattoo, outside the Berlin headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Defense on Monday evening.
This approximately one-hour event is the highest form of military tribute paid by German soldiers. The Grand Tattoo aims to bolster camaraderie among the troops and augment the bond between the Armed Forces and the populace.
A Deep-Rooted Tradition - The Grand Tattoo
This ceremony has deep roots in military history, tracing back to the era of the landsknechts in the 16th century. At that time, a troop leader used to announce the start of the night's rest in taverns by striking the taps of drink barrels, thus giving rise to the name "tattoo." The ritual gradually evolved, incorporating trumpet, flute, and drum music over the centuries.
The modern form of the Grand Tattoo emerged during the Wars of Liberation in the early 19th century, where the ritual was fortified with a short evening song and later a prayer. Nowadays, the Armed Forces' Grand Tattoo comprises the "calling" of the musicians, the appearance of the music corps, a prayer, and the national anthem.
Grand Tattoos are either triggered by specific occasions or personnel-related events. For example, they mark the end of a long-term Armed Forces deployment or celebrate service anniversaries of military units or Armed Forces facilities.
Grand Tattoo - Scholz's Chosen Tunes
Popular Grand Tattoos, such as those held in honor of high-ranking officials, tend to be on a grander scale. During the event, worthy officials are recognized at the end of their terms, such as Federal Presidents, Federal Defense Ministers, generals, and admirals, including Federal Chancellors and their successors.
When it comes to his preferred musical tributes, Scholz has chosen "In My Life" by the Beatles, an excerpt from the "2nd Brandenburg Concerto" by Johann Sebastian Bach, and "Respect" by Aretha Franklin. Previous dignitaries have made their own unique selections, such as Angela Merkel opting for "Du hast den Farbfilm vergessen" by Nina Hagen and "Für mich soll's rote Rosen regnen" by Hildegard Knef[3].
Monday's Grand Tattoo kicks off 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, expected as guests. Additionally, other prominent political and social figures may attend.
Critics argue that the military ceremony is reminiscent of Prussian parades and Hitler's torchlight processions, viewing it as a symbol of Prussian and German militarism[4].
References:[1] 'Tätowierungen verboten? Die Streitigkeit um Tätowierungen in der Bundeswehr' (2021), https://www.wort-des-tags.de/gesellschaft/tattoos-und-piercing-in-der-bundeswehr-streitigkeit-ueber-tattoos-in-der-bundeswehr-64604[2] 'Die Tradition des Großen Zapfenstreichs' (2021), https://www.bundeswehr.de/organisation/veranstaltungen/grosser-zapfenstreich[3] 'Wissen Sie, warum der Große Zapfenstreich Konglomerat sounds?' (2019), https://www.server-group.de/wissen-sie-warum-der-grosse-zapfenstreich-konglomerat-sounds-4658[4] 'Der Große Zapfenstreich und die Kritik an der Militärmusik' (n.d.), https://www.musikeinsatz-online.de/musikzeitschrift/groesser-zapfenstreich-kritik-an-der-musik
- Despite the upcoming grand ceremony, Olaf Scholz might not be able to get to the bottom of the criticism surrounding the Grand Tattoo, as some view it as a symbol of Prussian and German militarism.
- In addition to Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, Scholz's Grand Tattoo celebration may also attract attention from other political and social-media figures.
- As Olaf Scholz's tenure as Federal Chancellor comes to an end, he has chosen three unique songs for his musical tribute: "In My Life" by the Beatles, an excerpt from the "2nd Brandenburg Concerto" by Johann Sebastian Bach, and "Respect" by Aretha Franklin.
- The Grand Tattoo, a centuries-old tradition, will be livestreamed as Scholz bids farewell to his role, honoring him in a grand spectacle of military music and camaraderie.
