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

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

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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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From the VCA Command Sergeant Major

by vcasny Artillery Military News New York VCA Veteran

Wearing a military uniform means more than carrying on a tradition, or identifying us as a member of a historical military command. It is an outward sign to the public of our competence and professionalism, and of the deep respect we share for our unit and our State and Country. The VCA has its own regimental uniform for Parade Dress, Mess Dress, and its own Corps Blazer. The Quartermaster section has posted descriptions of the proper wear of our regimental uniform. Additionally, Army Regulation AR 670-1 “Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia” provides a complete description of the Class A, Class B and ACU uniforms used by the VCA.  Similarly, the transition document describing the new ASU (blue) uniform for Class A and Class B which is replacing the dress greens, is available via the web as ALARACT 202/2008 “US Army Service Uniform.”

We always strive to present a proper military image, with our clothing properly fitted and in good condition, neat and pressed as appropriate. Along with this is the proper wearing of our uniforms. For instance, a field jacket or all weather coat is never left open or half closed; it is always zipped / snapped / buttoned / belted when worn otherwise, it is carried. For the ACU, the ends of boot laces are tucked in, after being tied, under the tounge flap, and our trouser pockets are not bulging nor do we store items in any of the blouse pockets. And then there are some uniform-related caveats: typically, headgear or cover is worn outdoors and removed indoors. An important exception for the VCA is that cover is used both indoors and outdoors when the individual is under arms. When carrying our swords and musical instruments, we are considered under arms.

When we see a uniform problem with a fellow soldier, let the individual know. We should all make an effort to always check each other to ensure we are squared away; this is especially important before an event in front of a public audience or in front of a camera.

See this page for additional VCA uniform requirements and regulations

Say thank you to a service-person. Go out and vote

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It has always been the Soldier

It is the soldier, not the Reporter who has given us Freedom of Press.
It is the soldier, not the Poet who has given us Freedom of Speech.
It is the soldier, not the campus Organizer who has given us the Freedom to Demonstrate.
It is the soldier,who salutes the flag; who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag,
that allows the protester to burn the flag.

Father Dennis O’Brien, United States  Marine Corp. Chaplain

 

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VCASNY needs volunteers

by vcasny Military News New York VCA

VCA troops  interested in joining the Ceremonial Weapons Detail, should contact CSM Hess at your earliest convenience.  In the past we have formed details on an as needed basis; but given the membership and the current expertise, it is time to form a standing unit for event participation.

Members interested, should be proficient, (or willing to put the in the training time) in sabre and rifle Manual of Arms.

Please review Appendix B and F of the Army Drill and Ceremony ACM-3.21.5 for rifle and sabre respectively.

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