In Honor of the Fallen – Memorial Day 2015

Artillery Ceremony Military News New York VCA Veterans

 

IMG_0914The U.S. Army and the VCASNY execute a 21 gun salute on Memorial Day in honor of our fallen.

This story shall the good man teach his son;
And Crispin Crispian shall ne’er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remembered-
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne’er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition;
And gentlemen in England now-a-bed
Shall think themselves accurs’d they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin’s day.

West Point Day Fort Hamilton

Artillery Ceremony Military News New York VCA
West Point Day Parade
West Point Day Parade

USAG Fort Hamilton hosted West Point Day, Fort Hamilton, New York at, 18 April 2015.  The event promoted the U.S.Military Academy to the people of New York City as part of the Superintendent’s overall New York City Engagement Strategy.The event was designed to provide information on academic and cadet life at West Point, strengthen the relationships between USMA and NYC, and offer an opportunity to showcase Cadets and Cadet activities through displays, demonstrations and interaction.

In support of Fort Hamilton, the 9th (NY) provided its traditional firing of 75mm Howitzers to start the parade.

Recruiting for the Union Army in New York City

Artillery Ceremony History New York VCA
VCA Flag Raising
VCA Flag Raising

On 11 April, the 9th Field Artillery (NY) was invited by the National Park Service to participate in a commemoration of recruiting activities in New York City during the Civil War. In addition to the firing of its howitzers, a flag raising ceremony was held at Battery Park.

During the Civil War, extensive efforts to recruit soldiers for the Union army took place in New York City. In Battery Park, just outside Castle Garden, a recruiting office was established specifically to recruit newly-arriving immigrants. They were offered a monthly wage, food and clothing, and a pleasant outdoor life with plenty of exercise.

After the draft law went into effect in July, 1863 recruiters began to offer substantial bonuses for enlistment in particular regiments of the recruit’s choice in order to escape conscription. Choices offered included ethnic infantry regiments including Irish, German, Italian and African American units. Also available were artillery and cavalry specialties as well as unique units such as the Zouaves. By such means, New York supplied more troops for the Union army during the war than any other state.

New York 9th Field Artillery Regiment celebrates its 224th Mess Dinner

Artillery Ceremony History New York VCA

15619684284_eca6fe1b02_o - Copy

On 8 January 2015, the VCA celebrated its 224th Annual Mess Dinner and commemorated the 200th anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans. The mess dinner took place in the Community Club at Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn. The Battle of New Orleans was the final major battle of the War of 1812. Members of the VCA attended in full VCA mess dress uniform for one of the final gatherings commemorating the Bi-Centennial of the War of 1812. The guest speaker this year was COL Joseph D. Davidson, Garrison Commander USAG Fort Hamilton.

Veterans Day, Nov. 11th, 2013

Veterans Day, Nov. 11th, 2013

Military News New York VCA Veterans

Veterans Day 2013 is coming up on 11 November.  The VCASNY will hold it’s Annual Memorial Service at Trinity Church in Manhattan to honor those who have served and those who are serving our country. Our VCA memorial service is held specifically to remember those members of the VCA who have served with us and have now passed on.

There are other events that are scheduled throughout the city as well. Please feel free to review these links and take advantage of some of these Veterans thank you events.

AITAF Performance Vet Day Football Vet Week 2013

2013 ING NYC Marathon

Events Militia New York VCA

Hurricane Sandy and the destruction it left behind cancelled the 2012 Marathon, but this year, the Marathon is in full swing and scheduled for 3 Nov. The start of the first and subsequent waves will be signaled by the VCASNY firing battery and their 75mm pack howitzers.

Watch us live on ESPN starting around 0900 November 3rd 2013.

Historical perspective on Fort Gadsden, Apalachicola National Forest

History New York VCA

Historic Fort Gadsden, on the Apalachicola National Forest in Florida, was the site of a horrific battle and explosion during the War of 1812 with England. The fort was built on a strategic portion of the Apalachicola River to control river and trade traffic. In the face of an imminent attack by American forces, escaped and freed slaves and many local American Indians sought refuge and safety at the fort. As the VCA fought in the War of 1812, we thought we would share a little piece of history brought to you by the USDA Forest Service.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJl45IXOOZg&feature=player_profilepage]