An invitation to the public from the Veteran Corps of Artillery

On July 4, 2012 the Veteran Corps of Artillery, New York’s longest standing military unit, will fire a Salute to the Nation from Battery Park in lower Manhattan.

On behalf of the Commandant, COL Stephen J. Ryan, the Officers and members of the Veteran Corps of Artillery-State of New York, I would like to invite you to join us to celebrate America’s Independence Day, with a Parade, Flag Raising, and Salute to the Nation in Battery Park.

At 10:30 a.m. the Corps, in 1812 parade dress uniforms, will depart the Coast Guard Station adjacent to the Staten Island Ferry Building marching through Battery Park towards Castle Clinton.

At 10:45 a.m., a flag raising ceremony will take place in Castle Clinton.

At 11:00a.m., the Veteran Corps of Artillery firing battery will fire its traditional 50-round Salute to the Nation using a battery of four 75mm pack howitzers. During the ceremony, the Commandant will call out the names of the fifty states in the order in which they were admitted into the Union. After the ceremony, honored guests will be given an opportunity to fire one of the howitzers.