3rd ID Celebrates Military Tradition With Twilight Tattoo

By Spc. Dustin Gautney, 2nd HBCT Public AffairsSeptember 24, 2009

Fort Stewart Twilight Tattoo
1 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Standing in front of 3rd ID Soldiers dressed in historic era uniforms for Fort Stewart's Twilight Tattoo, Sgt. 1st Class Jody Manford, 3rd ID Band, sings the national anthem to Family, friends and Soldiers sitting in the bleachers at Cottrell Field, ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Fort Stewart Twilight Tattoo
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Fort Stewart Twilight Tattoo
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Fort Stewart Twilight Tattoo
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Fort Stewart Twilight Tattoo
5 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Representing the glory of the United States of America and proud history of the U.S. Army, the Color Guard displayed by Soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division march to the beat of the fife and drum during Fort Stewart's Twilight Tattoo held on Cottr... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT STEWART, Ga. - The 3rd Infantry Division Band played to the cheers of nearly 300 Soldiers, Family and friends during the Marne Division's Twilight Tattoo ceremony, a musical extravaganza celebrating the Army and the division's proud heritage was held at Fort Stewart's Cottrell Field, Sept. 17.

Rain or shine, Soldiers, Families and friends celebrated the Marne Division's 'Twilight Tattoo" as the 3rd ID Band's "Delta Rock" entertained the crowds with patriotic songs. They also witnessed 36 new Army recruits take the Oath of Enlistment and become the Army's newest Soldiers.

"Here we go again, and again," said Maj. Gen. Tony Cucolo, guest speaker for the ceremony and referring to the division's upcoming deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan to those in attendance.

As the division enters its fourth deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, Maj. Gen. Cucolo reassured them that this is what we do as Soldiers, and that above all what we do matters.

"I remember a few years back I was in the Balkans, near a destroyed village and saw children, with little backpacks and smiles across their faces; because of the work that we achieved there, they were able to go to school and with pride, we all learned that what we do matters, same as in Iraq today," said Maj. Gen. Cucolo.

Originating more than 300 years ago as a British military bugle call deemed "Tattoo," when sounded would let local tavern owners know that it was time to "turn off the taps" or "taps off" and let Soldiers know it was time to return to their quarters.

In the 19th and 20th century, the "Tattoo" became a showcase for military bands as displays of precision and military pride. Today the "Tattoo" serves as a tribute and dedication of the sacrifices of those who forged America. The newly re-established "Twilight Tattoo" is the Marne Divisions very own musical dedication to the division's proud heritage and to honor the Families, and communities that continue to support the division.