Nathan Hale Day

On 22 September, 1776 British troops under the command of General William Howe (British Commander in North America) hung Nathan Hale a day after he was caught spying for the Continental Army. Every year a small ceremony is held to remember the man who reportedly said, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country”. The ceremony takes place at City Hall Park, the location where he lost his life 235 years ago. Attending the ceremony were city officials, including Mayor Bloomberg.

Mayor and Color Guard — Mayor Bloomberg and VCA Color Guard - Nathan Hale Day 2011

Preparing the Firing Battery

by vcasny American Revolution Artillery History Military News Military Photos New York VCA

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTr9Ztxypj8]

Getting ready for the big July 4th event takes coordination, patience and lots of caution. Our thanks once again to the 1st Battalion, 258th Field Artillery for always been willing to provide a hand, and helping us with the movements of the howitzers. Here is a short video from early morning until the firing. Check out the Cubs Scouts at the end of the line 🙂

The Veteran Corps of Artillery Plaque at 115 Broadway, New York, NY

by vcasny American Revolution Artillery History Military News New York Patriots Press Release VCA Veteran

The late 18th century City Arms Tavern stood on this site. On November 25th, 1790, known as “Evacuation Day” because it marked the anniversary of the departure of the last British troops from New York in 1783, a group of patriotic citizens met at the Tavern to discuss the defense of their state and nation from possible foreign aggression. As veterans of the corps of artillery of the Continental Army, they formed the VETERAN CORPS OF ARTILLERY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. Since that date this historic military command has served the state and nation continuously, in both peace and war.

Centennial Legion – Elected Officer and Veterans

by vcasny American Revolution Artillery Military News New York Press Release VCA Veteran

As many of you know by now, the new commander of the Centennial Legion is COL. Houstin Spencer. As always, the VCA wishes the COL. their best and much success in the coming year.

Today we write about one the VCA’s very own! At the Annual Director’s meeting, the VCASNY’s own Initiatives Officer, LTC Herman N. Cohen was elected 2nd Vice Commander of the Centennial Legion. He follows in the footsteps of another VCASNY member who served as CLHMC Commander, the VCA’s current Adjutant, COL Matthew G. Cusack, Jr. who served from 1996 -1997.

Best wishes to one of our own!

At the meeting, LTC Cohen, who in civilian life works for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, DC, distributed copies of a DVD he produced, called “Homes for Heroes”. The video is about grants available for severely disabled veterans to adapt their homes for wheelchair accessibility. You can view the video at the VA site here. He is currently working on a new video on assistance to Veterans having financial difficulties called “Alternatives to Foreclosure“. In addition, LTC Cohen’s monthly streaming Internet video broadcasts to Mortgage Lenders, National Service Organizations and Veterans on GI Home Loans and Grants can also be viewed at VA site here. Just go near the bottom of the page to the section labeled “Previous Broadcasts”.

If you are a Veteran, please go to these sites for information on receiving the benefits you’ve earned.

Centennial Legion – Boston and Plymouth

by vcasny American Revolution Artillery History Military News Military Photos New York Patriots Press Release VCA Veteran

It was a busy weekend for the VCA and its’ Centennial Legion sister organizations, and most participants only had time to go from event to event, while catching a little rest in between. The weekend began at a leisurely pace with a private tour of the Old North Church, and was followed by a nice complimentary reception at the Union Oyster House. The Oyster House is the “oldest restaurant in continuous service” in the U.S. Our thanks to BG Milano, Proprietor.

The VCA’s first event was the participation in the Change of Command Ceremony aboard the USS Constitution. It was a grand event hosted by the United States Navy aboard the oldest warship in the U.S. The mantle was passed from CAPT. Ed Hebert to COL. Houstin Spencer in grand style and ceremony. The VCA wishes COL Houstin their best as he takes on his new responsibilities.

In addition to dignitaries of the Centennial Legion, the key note speaker was MG Bray, Commander of the Rhode Island National Guard and Militia. The ceremony was followed by yet another complimentary reception at Warren Tavern. Warren Tavern had been visited by the likes of George Washington and Paul Revere. It was also the site of the first formal Masonic lodge in Boston. The libation was flowing and the food was fresh.

Saturday began with a drive up to Plymouth, MA for the VCA’s participation in the Plymouth Thanksgiving Day Parade. If you weren’t there, the best way to experience it is with photos. Please visit our Flickr Photostream to see many photos, and videos from this event and the weekend.

Stay tuned tomorrow for other Centennial Legion news from the 75th Annual Meeting regarding one of the VCA’s own officers.

The 75th Annual Convention of the Centennial Legion

by vcasny American Revolution Artillery History Patriots VCA

The 75th Annual Convention begins in Boston today at 1200 hours. Members of the VCA, as well as other historical units will participate in many activities including a Change of Command Ceremony aboard the USS Constitution, The Plymouth’s Thanksgiving Day parade, and a couple of tours in historic Boston.

Also know as “Old Ironsides”, the USS Constitution web site states that it is the “world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat, promotes the United States Navy and America’s naval heritage through educational outreach, public access and historic demonstrations, in port and underway” .

For more information on the event, please go to the Centennial Legion web site. Stay tuned for photos and reporting of the event over the next couple of days.

Veterans Day 2010

by vcasny American Revolution History Military News Military Photos New York Patriots VCA Veteran

From the Revolutionary War to the “Cold War” to Afghanistan, young men and women have served our country with commitment, honor and courage. If I counted up wiki correctly, we have lost ~650,000 men and women during armed conflicts, and another ~1.5 Million were wounded during the history of our nation. There are another 83,918 that are still unaccounted for.

The VCASNY asks that you remember them all today and everyday, by supporting them, flying the flag, attending a parade, saying “thank you” to that nice elderly man down the block, and by never forgetting what they have given to support our country.

OohRah!

by vcasny American Revolution Artillery History Military News Military Photos Patriots Press Release Veteran

As a former member of the greatest Air Force in the world, and a current member of a 220 year old Historic Military Command with regulations and traditions born of the United States Army, I have to admit that I still feel honored when I am in the company of these men and women. Please join the VCA in wishing a Very Happy 235th Birthday to the United States Marine Corps.

The official birthday of the Marine Corps is 10 November 1775, when the second Continental Congress passed a resolution to raise “two battalions of Marines”.

Happy Birthday to old and new friends alike. OohRah and Semper Fi!

VCASNY Event – Centennial Legion Meeting

by vcasny American Revolution History Military News VCA

The Centennial Legion meeting will be held in Boston, MA. starting Thursday, 18 November 2010, until 20 November 2010. If you plan on attending please contact CSM Gary Hess ASAP hess_g123@yahoo.com

Full details may be found at http://www.centenniallegion.com/cl6.html

Tentative Itinerary is here

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PAWTUXET RANGERS 236th BIRTHDAY PARTY

by vcasny American Revolution History Military News Patriots

A reminder that the Pawtuxet Rangers will be having their 236th birthday party on October 27 in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. If you plan on attending, please make your reservations. Details of the event are below. Who they are from their web site.

The Pawtuxet Rangers were chartered in 1774 to protect the thriving seaport of Pawtuxet, and at various times throughout the Revolutionary War manned the fort on Pawtuxet Neck, a function vital to the defense of both Pawtuxet and Providence. As the war progressed, the Rangers were called upon to participate in major engagements in other areas including the Battle of Rhode Island and the Battle of Saratoga.

Today, the Pawtuxet Rangers are among the oldest existing chartered commands in the country. Under the overall command of the Governor as Captain General, and the direct command of the Adjutant General of the Rhode Island National Guard, the Rangers still retain the independent status of their charter while also available on a voluntary basis to assist in certain State functions if so requested.

The Pawtuxet Rangers are among the most active of Rhode Island’s militia groups. They are constantly sought for participation in a wide variety of parades and public appearances, including ceremonial State functions, battle reenactments, and speaking engagements.