With the 3rd Infantry Division finally back, from the cooler climes of eastern Europe to the sun-baked Mojave Desert and Fort Irwin’s National Training Center, Fort Stewart held it annual Independence Day celebration July 2 at Donovan Field.

Along with food vendors and rides, the evening included a battle of the bands and concluded with a fireworks display.

“I want to welcome home everyone who was either deployed or at NTC,” said Maj. Gen. John Lubas, the 3rd ID’s commanding general. “It’s great to have the entire division with every brigade and every leader back here at Fort Stewart for a little bit. I want to thank our soldiers and the families for everything you do to support the division, our mission and our nation.”

Beau Bradley, the installation emergency manager with the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security, emceed the battle of the bands and the events.

“We’re fired up because we want to have a good time to show our appreciation to our soldiers, families, children, and Department of the Army civilians,” he said.

While he said his job Thursday evening was to keep the crowd engaged, it also meant something more to him as a veteran of the 3rd ID.

“It’s a little special because I’m a retiree of the 3rd Infantry Division,” he said. “I served 22 years. I know what it’s like to be separated from loved ones. We just brought a whole bunch of soldiers back on the eve of our nation’s birthday. It’s a deep honor for me.” A flyover of a CH-47 Chinook and an AH-64 Apache during the national anthem helped kick off the evening.

“I want to thank the division and the garrison for putting this event on for our soldiers and families,” Bradley continued. “It’s important we show our appreciation.”