Veteran Corps of Artillery of the State of New York

01/16/2025

12/04/2024

𝐒𝐭. 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐚'𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲 - 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟒

Our patron saint was the beautiful daughter of Dioscorus, a nobleman of the Roman Empire. Her father, fearful of her beauty and possibility to be taken from him, locked her in a tower and limited her exposure to Christianity. However, from her window, she looked out upon the countryside and marveled at the worlds beauty. She concluded that all living things must be a part of a master plan and was baptized into the Christian faith. She designed her bath house, commissioned by her father, to hold three windows, representing the Holy Trinity. Upon her father's return, he asked why three instead of 2, and she declared her faith. Despite his threats, she steadfastly held onto her beliefs. Dioscorus flew into a rage and dragged her before the local prefect who ordered her death. He tortured his daughter, then took her to a high mountain, where he beheaded her. Afterward, as he descended the mountain, he was caught in a sudden violent storm, struck down and consumed by lightning. Only his scorched sword remained as a reminder of God's vengeance.

Saint Barbara came to be regarded as the sainted patroness of those in danger from thunderstorms, fire, and explosions. Given the questionable reliability of early cannon misfires, muzzle bursts and exploding weapons were not uncommon -it is easy to see why our predecessors sought the protection of Saint Barbara. She has protected us well ever since.

On this day, we hope Saint Barbara continues to watch over all Redlegs, wherever you may be. 💥

11/25/2024

11/25/2024

On Saturday 23 November 2024 the VCA along with members of the Lower Manhattan Historical Association, the S.A.R. and others celebrated the 241st anniversary of the day the British evacuated NYC at the end of the Revolutionary War.

The Corps led off the procession starting at Fraunces Tavern, and paraded to Evacuation Day Plaza. After remarks by select individuals including the Commandant of the VCA, COL Mechmann, the VCA lowered the Union Jack, and replaced it with our National 13 Star “Betsy Ross” flag.

Once the commemoration was complete, the VCA Color Guard led the procession back to Fraunces Tavern to enjoy a meal and camaraderie befitting the day!!

November 25, 1783: The Evacuation
Marking the end of their occupation in America, the last of the British soldiers who served during the American Revolution left Manhattan on November 25, 1783. Following their departure, the city was secured by American troops under the command of General Knox, who promptly called for all residents to welcome New York’s Governor Clinton and General Washington into lower Manhattan.

Clinton and Washington were escorted to Cape’s Tavern by a parade of soldiers, New York government officials, General Knox and his officers, and the Speaker of Assembly.
Meanwhile, U.S. troops sought to remove the British flag from Castle Clinton (known as the Fort on the Battery). However, thanks to British soldiers' departing gifts of sabotage (greasing the flag pole and cutting its halyards), this proved to be quite a difficult task.
After failed attempts to scale the pole, a young sailor ultimately used wooden cleats to successfully climb and raise the American flag in place of Britain’s. This triumphant symbol sparked the first Evacuation Day celebrations, which went on to last several days.
Beginning with a public dinner hosted by Governor Clinton at Fraunces Tavern, over 120 guests celebrated with 13 formal toasts in honor of Washington and his officers. Festivities continued until Washington departed the city over a week later on December 4th.

11/05/2024

On 3 November 2024, we were honored again to Bring the Boom to the NYC Marathon, wave after wave.

A hearty thank you to the 353rd CACOM for assisting us in this amazing annual mission.

And a huge, Until Next Time, to Holly Victoria Furman!!!! It has been an honor to work with you over the past few years, congratulations in the new position, and as stated we can absolutely bring the cannons to you!

09/26/2024

09/26/2024

It thrills us to no end when we make DVIDS

https://www.dvidshub.net/image/8655902/353rd-cacom-hosts-change-command-welcomes-new-commander?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3KL9lmr827z2Fww6LOqKDui_Kfeo5KrGJNKTIYfd3IFuJHFEuLZsrXcYs_aem_s0tyBC8tAh_hWcIU8o7_Qw

Ft. Wadsworth, NY – Members of the Veteran Corps of Artillery State of New York fire two 75 mm pack howitzer cannons during the 353rd Civil Affairs Command change of command ceremony here on September 21, 2024. The ceremony included an awards presentation, the passing of the colors, and a communit...

09/22/2024

Ft. Wadsworth, Staten Island NY - Brigadier General Dean P. Thompson relinquishes command of the 353rd Civil Affairs Command to Col. Clifton Kyle on September 21, 2024. The change of command ceremony represents a new era in unit leadership and dates back to the 1700’s.

We have had the pleasure to serve BG Thompson for the past few years, and wish him luck at his new duty station out West. We sent him off the only way we know how!!!

07/13/2024

Pre-planning is already underway for next year!!!

07/06/2024

07/05/2024

It's as if Saint Barbara, the Patron Saint of Field Artillerymen, smiled upon this salute round herself.