FORT STEWART, Ga.- To honor the legacy of the U.S. Army and the Third Infantry Division, the division held a Twilight Tattoo, a chance to honor the legacy of freedom the unit has left around the world.
The sun shined through a slightly overcast sky as children ran around, played in the field and got a chance to play in real army helicopters, tanks and other vehicles that were on display for the public.
Soldiers sat on the grass and listened to the 3rd ID band perform classic rock songs as well at American standards.
The main part of the event featured 3rd ID Soldiers in uniforms from previous conflicts as the audience got a chance to see what the division's history looked like.
And some Soldiers, as well as some future Soldiers, got their chance to show their patriotic side at the event.
Former 3rd ID commander, Major General Tony Cucolo alongside former 3rd ID Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Ashmen, administered the oath of enlistment to Soldiers who were about ready to go to boot camp and Soldiers who chose to re-enlist.
Speaking to the first time enlistees, Maj. Gen. Cucolo said he wanted the event to serve as an image of what they are fighting for.
"There are still young men and women who will set their personal priorities aside and say 'I will do my part to defend the freedom my Family and I enjoy,'" he said.
The former commanding general also honored those who chose to re-enlist.
"To my re-enlisting Soldiers, they're sending a message to America too: They're saying 'yeah, I've seen the ugliness, I've tasted the sacrifice, the hardship, but I have found my calling and I want to contribute more.'"
Major General Cucolo also thanked the veterans in attendance, adding the Soldiers serving today are their legacy.
At the end of the ceremony, Soldiers dressed in historic uniforms walked onto the field as Army helicopters arrived on que hovering above. The audience gave the show a standing ovation.
Specialist Avery Cody, an Army bass player with the 3rd ID Band, was one of the many bandmembers who performed that night. He felt it was a spectacular show and was honored to be a part of it.
"It was a nice selection of music and a nice selection of history," he said. "It lets people know what 3rd ID has done from the past wars that we've had."
Specialist Cody also reflected on why he was so proud to be a Soldier.
"It makes me feel really good," he said. "Growing up, I've always had a calling to protect my own and my Family. The Army has allowed me to do that. Being at 3rd ID with its extensive history, I have grown to be very proud."
Another Soldier who watched the event was very happy with what he saw.
"I like what I'm seeing," said Sergeant 1st Class David Gooden, textile repair specialist with the 473rd Quartermaster Company. "It keeps out traditions and shows the military's reach today, where we have come from."
Sergeant First Class Gooden added events like this give Families an idea of what we do and this will encourage them to support us more.
"They are our main lifeline when we are in combat," he said.
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