Nathan Hale Day

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Nathan Hale
Nathan Hale Statue

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

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

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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.

More VCA July 4th celebration on youtube

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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DA8RhmzB_v0]Every year, The Veteran Corp of Artillery of the State of New York, holds its’ Annual Salute to the Nation in Battery Park, NYC. The event begins with a march from Castle Clinton and a flag raising ceremony. The highlight of the event for spectators and tourists is the 50 gun salute, with each firing volley executing after each state is named. Be with us next year for the 4th. The VCA is a federally and state recognized military organization founded in 1790.

RIP Elizabeth Taylor | the USO

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It may seem a little strange to see a discussion of Liz Taylor here, but in addition to all the glamor, and her humanitarian efforts, I remember seeing her at 0-dark-hundred down at ground zero.  It was somewhere around 09/14/01, and Liz Taylor shows up in the middle of the night to thank all the soldiers and civilian volunteers for doing what they’re doing, and wishing them to be safe. RIP Liz!

RIP Elizabeth Taylor | the USO.

Homeless Veterans Burial Program begins in NY

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They served our country with honor. They were willing to be sent to wherever our government would send them. They did their time during WWII, Korea, Vietnam and peacetime. Some may have been scarred, some may have simply been down on their luck, and others may have come home to a country that at one time may not have revered their Veterans. I don’t know. “There but by the grace of God…”

Today Saturday 8 January 2011,  at 1100 hours, 20 homeless Veterans will receive Military Honors thanks to the Dignity Memorial Homeless Veterans Burial Program. The Veterans, all New Yorkers, will be interred at Calverton National Cemetery. Keynotes will be delivered by congressman Tim Bishop representing the 1st District (NY), and Steve Israel representing the 2nd District (NY).

If you are near Suffolk County today, The Veteran Corps of Artillery encourages you to pay respects.

For the full press release go here.

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Wikileaks – again

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The following post is the opinion of the poster, and is not approved, directed or otherwise endorsed by the Veteran Corps of Artillery of the State of New York.

Wikileaks is back in the headlines this week after the release of more classified information, including the text of State Department cables. Among other things, the cables reveal the sometimes unflattering descriptions on heads of states and diplomats that the U.S. deals with.  The State Department will of course try to contain the damage as much as possible, and is hoping to capitalize on any relationships they may have built to minimize negative results.  SecState Hilary Clinton says, “I am confident that the partnerships that the Obama Administration has worked so hard to build will withstand this challenge. The President and I have made these partnerships a priority – and we are proud of the progress that they have helped achieve – and they will remain at the center of our efforts.”

Some may claim that the release of information is vital in order to uncover government waste, inaction and in some cases unconstitutional behavior.  I agree, but I believe that in the United States we have something called the “Freedom of Information Act“, that allows citizens and the media to review and reveal important data in a legal manner.  More importantly, it allows the release of information in a controlled manner that minimizes the risk (dare I say it) to “National Security“.  As with any law, the Act is subject to debate, discrepancies, and flaws, but at least it promotes these debates.

In my opinion, the uncontrolled release of information (especially during wartime) to the public is not only illegal, but downright dangerous to the ongoing efforts of diplomacy and military operations, and a direct threat to field operatives. As far as I’m concerned, anyone responsible for the release should be charged with treason, or espionage or both.

What are your thoughts?

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Centennial Legion – Boston and Plymouth

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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.

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The 75th Annual Convention of the Centennial Legion

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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

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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.

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