FORT STEWART, Ga. - More than 200 combat vehicles roared to life with the sudden proclamation of "Pass in Review," from the reviewing officer, only to be followed by the cheers of Soldiers, Family and friends as they were treated to a rare event as the Spartan Brigade preformed a Mounted Pass in Review in celebration of Victory in Europe Day during a ceremony held at Fort Stewart's Taylor's Creek training grounds, May 8.
To celebrate the anniversary of VE-Day, the day World War II Allies formally accepted the unconditional surrender of the armed forces of Germany and the end of Adolf Hitler's Third Reich, the Spartan Brigade performed a mounted pass in review, something rarely seen outside of a combat zone, and steeped in World War II traditions.
"What we are doing here is a piece of history, just like in 2003 as we prepared to march into Iraq with many hours coordinating the movement of vehicles with the use of Unmanned Ariel Vehicles," said Col. Charles E.A. Sexton, commander, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division.
The mounted pass in review, refined by General George S. Patton, displays a high level of skill and coordination to maneuver large numbers of dangerous combat vehicles safely. Having the event at Fort Stewart allowed Family and friends to see what their husbands, wives, sons, and daughters do for a living and what they are capable of accomplishing, said Col. Sexton.
"The true power in this formation is the Soldiers themselves. The vehicles, as mighty as they are, are nothing more than bolts and steel without the Soldiers to power them," Col. Sexton said. "It is important that Families and friends are out here to see what we do; they are what allow us to be the most lethal fighting force ever assembled."
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