FORT STEWART, Ga. (Army News Service, Dec. 1, 2006) - Thousands of Soldiers filled the streets of here as the 3rd Infantry Division formed up for a division-wide run to kick off Marne Week, a three-day celebration of the division's history and heritage.
As the miles-long formation snaked around the post's golf course and parade field, troops led by Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, 3rd ID commanding general, bellowed out cadences and sang "The Dog Face Soldier Song."
Later that morning, Marne Week activities got into full swing as Soldiers and families took a break from pre-deployment preparations and training exercises to commemorate the birthday of the division which was activated in November 1917, during World War I at Camp Greene, N.C.
Festivities included a carnival for children and adults, static displays, numerous sporting events such as dodgeball, pushball, flag football and skeet-shooting, as well as musical performances by LeAnn Rimes, Silk, Keith Sweat and Michael Scott.
Soldiers were given time off from work to enjoy Marne Week activities, and many took advantage of that. Thousands attended the events, which were run by volunteers from companies and organizations both on- and off-post.
The division held a pass in review ceremony under blustery skies Nov. 21 to honor 3rd ID Soldiers and veterans. Even though the wind had a chilly bite to it, Marne Soldiers were warmly enthusiastic about seeing all the division's units on parade as they marched across Cottrell Field.
"I'm humbled to be around everyone from the 3rd Infantry Division," said retired Col. Charles P. Murray, a 3rd ID World War II veteran and Medal of Honor recipient who attended the Pass in Review. "It's always wonderful to see Marne Soldiers pass by. It was a beautiful ceremony."
Marne Soldiers turned out in full force to the sporting events and competitions, making the celebration all it was planned to be and more.
Soldiers set up static displays on 6th Street for family members to see military vehicles.
The full Marne inventory was on display, from Bradley Fighting Vehicles and Abrams tanks to M113 armored personnel carriers.
Social Sharing