Music, culture and fireworks lit up Sir Hubert Murray Stadium as Papua New Guinea hosted a Military Tattoo in the lead-up to its 50th anniversary of independence (PNG50).
The two-day event on September 5-6 featured the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), cultural performers and contingents from Australia, Fiji, India, Japan, New Zealand, Tonga, United States, the United Kingdom and Vanuatu.
The Military Tattoo opened with an historic first - ADF parachutists jumping from a PNGDF aircraft - before bands, pipes and drums, cultural groups and drill teams took to the stage.
PNGDF bass drummer Lance Corporal Samson Taman said performing with partner nations in the Military Tattoo was memorable.
"It was the first time we welcomed all our partners here," Lance Corporal Taman said.
"Sharing the performance together made the event very special."
New Zealand Army Band musician Lance Corporal Sylna Vail said the experience showed the strength of regional ties.
"Singing and performing alongside PNG and our Pacific partner nations was incredible," Lance Corporal Vail said.
"Working with friends from Fiji and Tonga again was really heart-warming."
'It showed how music can bring people from so many places together.'
Republic of Fiji Military Forces trombone player Lance Corporal Tartusi Tavakaturaga said sharing culture was a highlight.
"Embracing each other's music and traditions was a big learning experience," Lance Corporal Tavakaturaga said.
"This opportunity to represent Fiji and perform in PNG means a lot to us."
Australian Army snare drummer Private Thomas Branson said the finale stood out.
"Marching off together with everyone together was my highlight," Private Branson said.
"It showed how music can bring people from so many places together."
Military Tattoos date back to 17th-century Europe, when the Dutch phrase 'doe tap toe' signalled soldiers to return to barracks. Over time, they became an emblem of discipline, pride and esprit de corps.
That tradition came alive in Port Moresby, blending with Pacific culture as performers strengthened ties ahead of PNG's 50th independence anniversary.
It all built towards the finale: Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, complete with ceremonial gunfire and fireworks. As the skyline lit up, the night closed with music and tradition shared between PNG and its partners.
