Fort “HamiltonConnection”

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Hamilton Connection
VCA Detail for U.S. Army 236th Birthday Celebration at Fort Hamilton

Here is the latest copy of the Hamilton Connection which is published by the PAO in Fort Hamilton Brooklyn. This issue (Volume 5, No. 19 June 17, 2011) includes an article and photo of the U.S. Army’s 236th Birthday celebration that took place on 14 June, 2011. Photo courtesy of “The Hamilton Connection”

Happy 236th Birthday U.S. Army – VCA at Fort Hamilton

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As you may have seen from our previous post, in addition to flag day, today we celebrate the 236th birthday of the United States Army. At 0700 this morning, a VCA detail reported to Garrison HQ, Fort Hamilton to participate in today’s’ celebration. At the appropriate time, 13 rounds were fired from 3 75mm Pack Howitzers to celebrate both Flag Day and the Army’s birthday.  Here are some pictures from the dress rehearsal on 13 June.  While Soldiers and Airmen assigned to the detail practiced their portion of the ceremony, VCA members inspected and readied the cannons for today’s’ celebration.

Last American WWI Veteran Dies

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CPL Frank Woodruff Buckles

February 28, 2011 – Frank Woodruff Buckles the last surviving American WWI Veteran dies at the age of 110 in his West Virginia home. 16-year-old CPL Buckles lied about his age (Telling them he was 18) to the Marines and Navy, but they told him to go home.  Finally an enterprising Army recruiter signed him on the spot after the CPL said he was 21 🙂 In 1942, he was a civilian, but he was captured by the Japanese when they invaded the Philippines.  He spent three and a half years in the Los Baños prison camp. He was rescued on February 23, 1945.

For the full story, please go to defense.gov.

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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