Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts facts for kids
The Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts is the oldest military group in North America. It is also the third oldest military group in the world! This special company was given its official permission (called a charter) in March 1638. This was done by the government of Massachusetts Bay. Governor John Winthrop signed the charter.
The company started as a volunteer group. Its main job was to train officers for local military groups across Massachusetts. Before World War I, the US military became more professional. Groups like the National Guard were created. Officer training also became a federal (national) responsibility. Because of these changes, the company's role changed.
Today, the company helps keep the history and patriotic traditions of Boston and the USA alive. It acts as an Honor Guard for the Governor of Massachusetts. The Governor is also its Commander in Chief. The company's main office is on the 4th floor of Faneuil Hall. It has an armory (a place for weapons), a library, offices, and a military museum. The museum is free to visit!
Contents
What is the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company?
A Long History of Service
The Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company (AHAC) has a very long history. It was formed when early settlements in America were growing. At that time, there was no organized army to protect people. There were only small local volunteer groups. These groups could not work together easily.
In England, there was a group called the Militia. All able men between 16 and 60 had to serve in it for home defense. This idea came to the new colonies in America. Many settlers in Boston had been part of a similar group in London called the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC). Their training helped them start a similar group in the new land.
In 1637, the company was created. It was a citizen militia. Its goal was to teach military skills and tactics. Robert Keayne and many early members of the AHAC had been part of the original HAC in London.
How the Company Started
Governor Winthrop officially approved the company on March 13, 1638. On the first Monday in June that year, they held an election for officers. This election took place on Boston Common. The company was first called "The Military Company of Massachusetts." It started being called "The Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company" in 1737.
One of the first members was Nicholas Upsall. He later left to join the Quakers. Since then, the company has held its yearly elections on Boston Common. They still do this on the first Monday in June. Members cast their votes on a drum head.
Being a member of this company has long been seen as a special honor. It was like how being in a certain regiment (military unit) was special for sons of English noble families. The Honourable Artillery Company of London and the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts recognize their shared history.
Where is the Company Located?
Since 1746, the company's main office has been in Faneuil Hall. In this armory, the company has a military museum. It is free to enter. The museum and library hold items from every war the United States has fought. The armory is open to the public every day.
Training Officers for Massachusetts
Before 1913, the company acted as the main school for officers in the Massachusetts Militia. (Not all officers came from the company, but many did.) In 1913, the Massachusetts Militia started its own training school for officers. This school later became the Massachusetts Military Academy. Today, it is known as the 101st Regiment — Regional Training Institute (RTI).
Annual Election Day Parade
Every year on the first Monday in June, the company re-enacts its officer election. This event is called the "June Day Parade." The parade includes the AHAC, the Massachusetts National Guard (MANG), members of the USS Constitution, and other historic military groups. They march from Faneuil Hall to Boston Common.
Sometimes, members of the Honourable Artillery Company of London join the parade. A representative from the Swiss Guard might also be there. When the Governor of Massachusetts arrives, the MANG fires a cannon. During the ceremony, the Governor accepts the resignations of the current Captain and Lieutenants. Then, the Governor issues new commissions (official appointments) to the newly elected officers.
Who Can Join the Company?
Membership in the company has traditionally been for people from the upper classes of Boston society. In recent years, people from outside Massachusetts can also join. It is common for high-ranking officers in the Massachusetts National Guard to be members.
You do not need to have served in the military to join. However, about one-third of the current members (as of 2014) have served in the US Armed Forces. Most of these served as officers.
Before the late 1900s, almost all members were Anglo-American (of English descent). Now, the company has a more diverse group of members.
Most people who join are "Regular Members." After serving for a certain time, Regular Members become "Life Members."
People who are descendants of members who joined before 1738 can join by "right of descent." They pay less for membership. However, they cannot vote or hold office in the company. If they live in New England, they become full (regular) members and pay full dues. Very rarely, highly respected individuals are given honorary membership.
Members in Wars and Public Service
Members of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company have served in many wars. These include:
- King Philip's War
- King William's War
- Queen Anne's War
- King George's War
- French and Indian War
- Revolutionary War
- War of 1812
- Mexican War
- Civil War
- World War I
- World War II
- Korean War
- Vietnam War
- Gulf War
- Iraq War
- Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan
The company has had ten members who received the Medal of Honor. This is the highest military award in the United States. Four members have also served as President of the United States:
Important people like Prince Albert, King Edward VII, and King George V were also made honorary members. Many Governors of Massachusetts have also been members.
In 2012, the company voted to allow women to join for the first time. Lieutenant Colonel Catherine M. Corkery and Colonel Christine Hoffmann were the first women inducted. Both were officers in the Massachusetts National Guard.
What is the Company's Motto?
The official motto of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company is "Facta Non Verba." This is a Latin phrase. It means "Deeds Not Words." This motto shows that the company believes in taking action rather than just talking.
Images for kids
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First Town-House, Boston where the AHAC would meet.
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Colonel Thomas Crafts, Jr., a member of the AHAC
See also
In Spanish: Antigua y Honorable Compañía de Artillería de Massachusetts para niños
