FORT STEWART — While the 3rd Infantry Division celebrated its long history Tuesday night, it also took another step to its upcoming mission.

The division’s Twilight Tattoo, usually held during Marne Week, was staged at Cottrell Field on Tuesday evening, concluding with the division casing its colors as nearly 4,500 soldiers prepare to deploy to Europe.

The division’s headquarters, its 2nd Brigade Armored Combat Team, Division Artillery and the 3rd Division Sustainment Brigade are headed to Europe as a show of support for NATO allies and a show of force to deter further Russian aggression in the region. The division’s 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade already is in Europe on a deployment.

“They’ll be spread all across the Eastern flank and partner with NATO nations,” 3rd Infantry Division Command Sgt. Maj. Jonathan Reffeor said of the Marne Division’s troops.

The tattoo encompassed the division’s history, from its founding in 1917, and from its first action in France during World War I, where it earned its moniker of the “Rock of the Marne,” to its efforts in the Global War on Terror.

Ordinarily, Marne Week concludes with the division ball.

“Due to the current deployment cycle, we’re not going to be here to execute the Marne Ball and Marne week,” Command Sgt. Maj. Reffeor said.

Instead, the division’s top enlisted soldier said, the division held its annual division run, along with other events, including other activities such as crossfit competition and a bed race. The tattoo included a helicopter flyover during the national anthem.

Holding the tattoo at Cottrell is significant, Command Sgt. Maj. Reffeor said, because of the Warriors Walk that borders it.

“This is a very powerful field,” Command Sgt. Maj. Reffeor said. “Ultimately, (the tattoo) is to share our story with the community. A lot of people don’t know what 3rd ID can do. “