To all our friends, colleagues and especially to our United States Service Members, past and present. May you have a safe and wonderful holiday season and a successful New Year.
COL Charles Lucas
FA VCASNY
Commandant
May you find peace and happiness in the new year.
God bless our troops and God bless the United States of America.
Hooah!
MG Robert Bray
Rhode Island National Guard
In the winter of 1914, somewhere out on the Western Front and during a lull in heavy fighting between the English, French and the Germans, German soldiers began to climb out of their protective trenches and started putting out Christmas trees, and singing carols.
Soon the English and the French joined in and eventually a Christmas truce was proposed. Amid the death and destruction, troops took the time to bury their dead. The story goes that eventually enemy soldiers were exchanging gifts and playing football (soccer) on the battlefield.
It was not well received by commanders, and some troops were killed while coming out of their trenches; but for a brief moment, there was peace on earth on the Western Front. It is almost too incredible to believe in the power of Christmas, but when warring nations/soldiers in the middle of battle, take the time to wish each other “Merry Christmas”, one is left to wonder…
On behalf of the VCA, we would like to WISH all of our service men and women, both at home and abroad, of every religious persuasion, a Very Happy Holiday, a Very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. May you stay safe, and may you come home soon.
Here is more information on the “Christmas Truce“. Here is a Wiki Article.
sm_PICT0170, originally uploaded by vcasny.
The Irish Brigade served in the Union Army during the Civil War, and originally consisted of the 63rd New York Infantry, the 69th New York Infantry and the 88th New York Infantry.
On December 11, 2010, members of the 63rd represented by COL James Whalen (photo), the “Fighting 69th, NYARNG, led by Battallion Commander MAJ. James C. Gonyo III (photo), the 88th Brigade (New York Guard) led by COL George De Simone, and The Veterans Corps of Artillery, led by Chief of Staff LTC Ray Mechmann, commemorated the service of the brigade during the Civil War. During the Battle of Fredericksburg (December 11-15, 1862), the brigades’ force was reduced from over 1600 troops to 256.
Todays commemoration was to honor those lost in the battle. Also joining the commemoration were Civil War Reenactor’s from the New York State Volunteers Heritage Association.
For more information on the Irish Brigade and its’ respective units please see these Wikipedia articles: “The Irish Brigade“, “69th Infantry Regiment (United States)“, and “New York Guard“. Here is a link to the “Battle of Fredericksburg“.
“The bravery, resolve, expertise and commitment of American servicemembers proves that America’s best days lie ahead”, President Barack Obama said at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan December 3, 2010.
In his address to 3500 servicemembers, President Obama thanked them for their service and sacrifice and said they were “part of an unbroken line of Americans who have given up your comfort, your ease, your convenience, for America’s security. ..They did it for the same reason that all of you do, Because the freedom and the liberty that we treasure, that’s not simply a birthright. It has to be earned by the sacrifices of generations — generations of patriots, men and women, who step forward and say, ‘Send me.’”
Supporting American servicemembers should be “apolitical”. They are doing what they signed up for and are bound by their oath, and daily sacrifice. The quotes here are from a recent story on defense.gov.
What do you think? Click on the link for the full story.
101207_VCA_holiday_party 002, originally uploaded by vcasny.
Members of the the VCA were enjoying themselves too much to remember to take photos during the holiday party, but here is one of TOP “tickling the ivories”. Check our flickr photostream for some more. The event took place at The Sailors’, Marines’, Coast Guard & Airmen’s Club on Lexington Avenue. The Club has been serving GI’s since 1919. Here is their site: http://www.ssmaclub.org/
Happy Holidays everyone!!
Veteran Corps of Artillery
December 7th, 2010 marks the 69th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The event marked the beginning of the war (in the U.S.) that would define the “Greatest Generation”. Veterans of this war are fading away as is the memory of that day. It is unusual nowadays to do an Internet search and come out “empty handed”; but I found few new articles, events or comments about December 7, 1941. As more time passes, and in the not too distant future they will be all gone. It is our responsibility to reach out those Veterans and say thank you to let them know that they are still remembered and appreciated.
If you read this post, please add any commemorative events as comments and links. Here is one commemoration event happening aboard the USS Intrepid Museum.
A lot of you may have seen the recent facebook posts asking to pray for and support the “Darkhorse Marine Batallion”, and you may not be quite sure who they are. Here is some information regarding our fine Marines.
These Marines are currently deployed in Sangin district, Afghanistan and recently suffered heavy losses, including the loss of 4 Marines from a single bomb attack on their ATV; however, as with all Marines they fight on and according to their CO, they are fulfilling their mission and morale is high. Even so, the VCA extends its’ prayers and wishes for their safe return. Please support our Marines and all our troops in whatever way you can.
Here is the Dark Horse official web site, where you’ll find a current letter from their CO, and ways of supporting them. Here is a link providing a little more detail on the “facebook request“, and for the WikiPedia entry on Dark Horse please go here.
Semper Fidelis
But first…The VCA wishes all of you a Very Happy Thanksgiving. We extend a special holiday wish to our serving troops of all branches at home and abroad. May you stay safe, stand tall, and come home soon to your loved ones.
To all past and present troops of the Veteran Corps of Artillery…Happy Birthday!!!. Today marks the 220th Anniversary of the founding of the Veteran Corps of Artillery of the State of New York.
You are part of an organization with a long and rich history of service and patriotism. From its’ early days to the present, in peacetime and in war, the VCA and its’ members have volunteered for military service whenever the call the came. While the unit today is primarily ceremonial, the VCA still volunteers for service when required. Whether the call is to honor Veterans who have passed, provide comfort to serving troops, or to march in a military or civic parade or ceremony, today’s members are willing and ready to uphold the spirit of honor, tradition and patriotism that the VCA was founded on. Charge the Cannons, Raise the Glass, and make a Toast. Happy 220th Birthday VCA!!!!
HOOOAAHH!!
The VCASNY wiki page states, “The VCASNY is the oldest military organization in New York State. It was formed in Manhattan on Evacuation Day (New York), November 25, 1790, by Veterans of Washington’s Continental Army Corps of Artillery. The founders met at the City Arms Tavern located off Broadway near Trinity Church, to establish an independent artillery company of exempts in the event of a return invasion by the British. Exempts were males beyond serving military age and thereby exempt from regular militia service. They are currently headquartered at Manhattan’s 7th Regiment Armory in the City of New York. Under federal law, they are part of the Organized Militia of the State of New York, and under state law it is an Independent Military Organization and an Historic Military Command.”
