As Defence Week ends, military personnel from participating nations reflect on the final events.
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.
The two-day event on 5–6 September featured the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, cultural performers, and contingents from Australia, Fiji, India, Japan, New Zealand, Tonga, United States, the United Kingdom and Vanuatu.
The Military Tattoo opened with a historic first — Australian Defence Force parachutists jumping from a Papua New Guinea Defence Force aircraft — before bands, pipes and drums, cultural groups and drill teams took the stage.
Papua New Guinea Defence Force brass 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,” he 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,” she said.
“Working with friends from Fiji and Tonga again was really heart-warming.”
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,” he 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,” he 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 Papua New Guinea’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 Papua New Guinea and its partners.
The Papua New Guinea Defence Force Band performed during the Military Tattoo at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, Port Moresby, on 5 September 2025, as part of Papua New Guinea’s 50th Anniversary Defence Week celebrations.
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