Record-breaking crowd attends Freedom's Call Tattoo Published July 1, 2008 By Kathleen Lopez Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- What made Air Force Materiel Command's fourth annual Freedom's Call Tattoo on June 27 so successful that it shattered its previous record of 60,000 in attendance? The list for what drew more than 75,000 people to this "thank you" event for the local community is long and distinguished: legendary country music act The Charlie Daniels Band, impressive Air Force aircraft flyovers set to narration and music by the U.S. Air Force Band of Flight, more than 4,000 square feet of interactive Air Force technology, an Oath of Enlistment ceremony, a military awards ceremony and recognition of local family support organizations, and a 20-minute fireworks show. According to Gen. Bruce Carlson, AFMC commander and event host, it was a special night for the Air Force. "Freedom's Call Tattoo is quickly becoming a major Air Force event and its success is a tribute to the many Wright-Patterson men and women who worked so hard over the past months to make it happen, as well as our community partners who contribute so generously," General Carlson said. "Team Wright-Patt deserves a big pat on the back." The addition of a major musical act to this time-honored military tradition was viewed as a natural evolution to the event's growth. "Tattoo is our way of giving back to the Miami Valley, recognizing its support of the troops while at the same time sharing the capabilities of their U.S. Air Force," said Ron Fry, AFMC Public Affairs director. "We decided to raise the bar this year and include a major music industry entertainer. Mr. Daniels and his band are music legends and long-standing supporters of the U.S. military - they most definitely contributed to our record-breaking attendance and put on an outstanding show." The addition of the Air Force technology displays and demonstrations were other indicators of the event's continuing growth. "The technology exhibit gave visitors an opportunity to get an up-close-and-personal look and touch of just a handful of technologies developed right here at Wright-Patt, for use throughout the Air Force," Mr. Fry said. "We had 14 exhibitors this year, and, naturally, we want to see that number grow even larger next year." Another sign that the popularity of this event is making its mark on the community is the partnership between the base and neighboring Wright State University, which provided three parking lots worth of free parking, as well as the Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority, which provided free bus rides from the parking lots to the event grounds.