The original meaning of military tattoo is a military drum performance, but nowadays it sometimes means army displays more generally.

It dates from the 17th century when the British Army was fighting in the Low Countries (Belgium and The Netherlands). Drummers from the garrison were sent out into the towns at 21:30 hrs (9:30PM) each evening to inform the soldiers that it was time to return to barracks. The process was known as doe den tap toe (old-Dutch for "turn off the tap"), an instruction to innkeepers to stop serving beer and send the soldiers home for the night. The drummers continued to play until the curfew at 22:00 hrs (10:00PM). Tattoo, earlier tap-too and taptoo, are alterations of the Dutch words tap toe which have the same meaning.

Over the years, the process became more of a show and often included the playing of the first post at 21:30 hrs and the last post at 22:00. Bands and displays were included and shows were often conducted by floodlight or searchlight. Tattoos were commonplace in the late 19th century with most military and garrison towns putting on some kind of show or entertainment during the summer months. Between the First World War and the Second World War elaborate tattoos were held in many towns, with the largest in Aldershot.

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We are accepting the $10.00 bus fee at the bus for Dunedin. If you have changed your mind and want to ride the bus...please show up as outlined above!

Thanks to all of you who participated in the Yankee Candle Fundraiser. The Yankee Candle orders are now in! The pickup day for your orders is Saturday, April 2 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM at the  Gandy Center; 3491 Gandy Blvd. (northeast corner of U.S. 19 & Park Blvd) Suite 211 Pinellas Park. This is the only pick up time so please make arrangements to pick up your orders.  If you cannot make it, please arrange to have someone pick it up for you. For questions, please contact:

Ruth Pennewell (813) 657-4137 or Melissa Mince (727) 488-1988. Thanks for helping raise funds for band expenses!

For those of you joining us in Calgary...please see the calendar of rehearsals for our Calgary Band including our mini "Band Camp" and be sure to mark your calendars for these important dates. Your Rounders calendar is always available on the Rounders website and is updated frequently as details become available!

Please help keep your Rounders "healthy" with our operating expenses. We have received this season several registration forms without the recommended donation. Please mail your donation with your name and member number to: Rounders Registration PO Box 15062 St. Petersburg, FL 33733. Thank you!

Come out and support your Rounders at the First Friday Festivities in Downtown St. Pete this Friday night. We will be pouring the beer as FUNdraiser. Come help us pour...or just come by, say hi, and have a cold one! (Rounders, please, always drink responsibly and NEVER drink and drive!).

Last week's participants to  "Senior Fest" in St. Petersburg were treated to an interactive display of your Second Time Arounders Marching Band include photos, video, brochures, and a musical petting zoo! Thanks go out to Rounders Karen Mastenbrook, David Jamieson, and Becky Cummings for organizing and staffing the booth. More new Rounders on their way for next season!