WTOC, Savannah, Georgia, news, weather and sports | 3rd Infantry Division celebrates 92nd birthday
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By Michelle Paynter - bio | email
FORT STEWART, GA (WTOC) - While more than 16,000 of the Army's 3rd Infantry Division soldiers are in Iraq, those here at home are marking the division's 92nd birthday.
On Friday, soldiers, dignitaries and family members gathered for a special celebration at Fort Stewart. In was in 1917 that the Army's 3rd ID was born.
Even the 3rd ID commander Major General Tony Cucolo got to take part in the celebration. He joined the party via satellite from Northern Iraq.
"We are proud to be a part of the marne division and happy 92nd birthday, you all look great for 92," said Maj. Gen. Cucolo.
The division earned the nickname "Rock of the Marne" during World War I. Soldiers were in France along the Marne River fighting the Germans when surrounding units retreated, the 3rd Infantry Division remained "rock solid".
It was also at that time that their signature blue and white patch was created. Gen. Cucolo says that patch is a source of comfort for his troops, who are so far away from home.
"Which for 92 years have been unstoppable in the attack and unmovable from the defense."
Rock of the Marne soldiers have fought in every war since, instilling a sense of pride in those answering the call today.
"It just shows me how much confidence that the United States has in the 3rd ID," said Sgt. 1st Class Cheryl Maddox. "Whenever there is a mission they call upon us and that means a lot to me."
Friday's celebration gave the soldiers a look back at how far the division has come and a chance to celebrate as they look toward the future.
The 3rd ID actually doesn't turn 92 until Saturday. The division was originally based at Camp Green, North Carolina. From 1958 to 1996 the 3rd ID was based in Germany, after that the division moved to Fort Stewart.
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