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ANCIENT AND HONORABLE ARTILLERY COMPANY OF MASSACHUSETTS

A Brief Introduction to the Oldest Chartered Military Organization

in the Western Hemisphere

AN INTRODUCTION – AND AN INVITATION The Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts (AHAC) is the oldest chartered military organization in the Western Hemisphere. Its charter was granted in March 1638 by the Great and General Court of Massachusetts Bay and signed by Governor John Winthrop. The first Captain Commanding of the Company was Robert Keayne, a former member of the Honorable Artillery Company of London. The Company was given a charter by the Great and General Court as a volunteer militia company that would train on a regular basis to increase the readiness and military skills of the members. Its inherent mission was to prepare its members to serve as officers in the enrolled militia companies. The Company still serves as a military organization, the Honor Guard to the Governor of the Commonwealth Massachusetts, and is well known for the many public parades, events, and ceremonies that the organization participates in every year as well its role in the community and historic Headquarters, Armory, and Museum atop historic Faneuil Hall in Boston, MA, “the Cradle of Liberty".

Annual Thanksgiving Parade in Plymouth, MA

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Annual Toys for Tots event

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Locally the Company is also involved in a considerable number of charitable activities. This includes supporting our men and women in uniform and their families through partnering with such organizations as: Toys for Tots; the New England Center and Home for Veterans (NECHV); the Fisher House, a “a home away from home” where military families can stay while a loved one is receiving in-house treatment; supporting the 101st Field Artillery; the Old North Church Foundation; events with the USS Constitution; and other worthy organizations over the years. Nationally and internationally, the Company has: served as an Honor Guard at Arlington National Cemetery, visited dozens of countries and battlefields all over the world where Americans have fought and are buried during our annual Fall Field Day Tours of Duty in the role of good will ambassadors for the United States, Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the City of Boston. On several occasions the Company has purchased and installed monuments in various countries recognizing the service and sacrifice of the U.S. Armed Forces. The Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company still plays a vital role in the ceremonial, patriotic, and civic life of City of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Captain Commanding Nicholas Schiarizzi rendering honors

At the Milna Allied Military Cemetery in Vis, Croatia

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OUR MISSION

To honor, preserve, and enhance the living history, customs, and traditions of our Company through patriotism, leadership, and public service, both military and civic, to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the United States of America. To proudly support and honor those who are serving and those who have served our nation, particularly the memory of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. To serve as international goodwill ambassadors, fostering global camaraderie while enhancing the Company’s esprit de corps.

Members of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company at the Palace at Versailles, France

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OUR MEMBERS We are a group of men and women from across the country. Many AHAC members (also informally known as “Ancients”) have and continue to serve in the armed forces throughout the world. Our members include members of the military, learned professionals, business executives, educators, and others from all walks of life. We are all united by our commitments to: patriotism; service; history and historic preservation; international goodwill: friendship; military service: and support. Dedication to shared principles helps to create mutual bonds of friendship and respect. Our shared experiences as members of this historic Company deepen and strengthen those bonds.

Some of our noteworthy members include Presidents of the United States, as well as those who have received the Medal of Honor.

US Presidents

James Monroe, 1817 Chester A. Arthur, 1882 Calvin Coolidge, 1924 John F. Kennedy, 1956

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Medal of Honor Recipients Major George H. Maynard, USA, Fredericksburg, VA, 1862 Corporal Lowell M. Maxham, USA, Marye’s Heights, VA, 1863

Colonel Francis S. Hasseltine, USA, Magnolia Bay, TX, 1863 Lieutenant George C. Harkins, USA, Petersburg, VA, 1865 Sergeant Charles A. MacGillivary, USA, Woelfling, France, 1945 Captain George L. Street, III, USN, Qualpart, Korea, 1945 Captain Thomas J. Hudner, Jr., USN, Chosin Resevoir, Korea, 1950 Colonel Harvey C. Barnum, Jr., USMC, Ky Phu, Vietnam, Captain Thomas G. Kelley, USN, Ong Muong Canal, Vietnam, 1969 Staff Sergeant Ryan Pitts, USA, Kunar Province, Afghanistan, 2014

Ancients pass our Headquarters, Armory, and Museum and Historic Faneuil Hall, Boston, MA

LOCATION

The Headquarters, Armory, and Museum of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company is located along Boston’s Freedom Trail® on the 4th floor of Faneuil Hall, Boston’s "Cradle of Liberty", and home to the “Ancients” since 1746. Faneuil Hall is located at the corner of North and Congress Streets, between Quincy Market and Boston City Hall. Our Museum is generally open to the public Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM and admission is free except during special events which occur during the year.

GPS: 42.359987, -71.054871

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June Day Change of Command Ceremonies

MEMBERSHIP Basic Information about Membership: Applicants must complete an application, be sponsored by a member, and interviewed by the Membership Committee before their name is submitted to the Company for a vote on their membership.

Right of Descent Membership: Any member of the Company or any citizen of the United States who is a direct descendant member of the Company whose service dates back prior to 1738, upon verification of the line of descent, may apply for membership into the Company.

Non-Resident Member: Any member whose legal residence is outside of New England may request non-resident status as an inactive member. Although a non-resident member, he shall be liable to a special annual assessment.

Armed Forces Member: Any member of the Company who is a member of the Armed Forces of the United States or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts serving on active duty for more than 90 consecutive days may apply for inactive status within the Company.

Training: Training sessions are held for new members, and existing members are always available for additional mentorship and guidance as to the Company’s history, traditions, and events.

Age: Minimum age is 18 years at induction.

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Veteran status: Veterans and Non-Veterans may be admitted as members. Members with current or prior military service may wear their rank upon the sleeve of their parade and mess dress uniforms.

Citizenship and additional criteria: You must be an American citizen, be of good moral standing, and be deemed a credit to the organization to receive membership.

Geographic location: While most members of the AHAC reside in the metropolitan Boston area, the Company has members throughout Massachusetts, and as well as the entire United States. Members are also deployed with the Armed Forces of the U.S. in several overseas locations.

Costs: An annual assessment is determined by Standing Committee with several categories of membership. There are additional requirements that members of the Company purchase a Company blazer and appropriate uniforms. The full set of uniforms includes: the Company blazer; parade and summer uniforms; and mess dress uniform for formal occasions.

The “Red Disc” New members are given a small red disc to wear around their Ancients pin during their first year with the Company. This is meant to encourage members to introduce themselves to the new member, help to guide them in the Company’s traditions, and welcome them to both the ceremonial and well as social events of the Company.

June Day on the Carty Parade Ground, Boston Common, Boston, MA

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ANNUAL EVENTS

● June Day Each command year begins with the June Day change of command ceremonies and the largest annual military parade on the East Coast. June Day is held on the 1st Monday in June and dates back to 1638. It is one of the Company’s most important traditions and is the oldest continuous military change of command ceremony in the Western Hemisphere.

Independence Day: Since 1776, Boston’s oldest 4th of July tradition involves our Captain Commanding reading the Declaration of Independence from the balcony of the Old State House. We also participate in the flag raising at Government Center, wreath laying at the graves of Revolutionary War patriots, and swear in new members at a ceremony in the Great Hall of Faneuil Hall.

Fall Field Day Tour of Duty The second most important ceremonial duties of the Ancients, the Fall Field Day Tour of Duty (FFDTD), originates back to the fall training of militia units by the Company. Currently, the FFDTD involves travel by the Company to historic military landmarks, parade, wreath laying ceremonies, religious service, exchanges of military courtesies, and to serve as international goodwill ambassadors, fostering global camaraderie while enhancing the Company’s esprit de corps.

Veterans’ Day Observance In November on Veterans’ Day, the Ancients provide an honor guard for the Governor of Massachusetts. The Company’s members line the stairway to the Great Hall and, on occasion, have provided the keynote address.

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Thanksgiving Day Parade The AHAC marches in the Thanksgiving Day Parade in Plymouth, MA. This is the 3rd largest Thanksgiving Day parade in the nation and is attended by thousands of spectators. It is also one of America’s only historically accurate chronological parades, visually bringing to life America’s rich heritage representing each century from the 17th through the 21st.

Toys for Tots The Sergeants of the Company organize a toy and clothing drive for the United States Marine Corps and the New England Center for Homeless Veterans each December.

First Flag – Raising of the “Grand Union” Flag, Somerville: Commemorating a milestone of the American Revolution, January 1, 1776, when General Washington raised a new American flag over the highest point of the American fortifications surrounding the then-occupied City of Boston.

Presidents Day: Every February since 1886 a formal luncheon is held in Boston honoring President George Washington, the first president that the Ancients escorted, as well as the four presidents who have been members: James Monroe, Chester A. Arthur, Calvin Coolidge and John F. Kennedy. The luncheon also commemorates the Ancients role in the official opening of the Washington National Monument on 21 February 1885 under President Arthur who had been an Ancient since 1882.

First Muster / Salem Muster: This April ceremony and parade in Salem, MA, commemorates the Anniversary of the country’s first muster in 1637 and the founding of the National Guard.

Patriots Day Boston and Lexington: Honoring the first battles of the American Revolution in Lexington and Concord, the AHAC marches in both parades on the 3rd Monday in April.

Mount Feake Wreath Laying, Maj. George Maynard, Waltham Each May the AHAC lays a wreath at the grave site of Maj. George Maynard, Medal of Honor recipient and member of the company. The event honors Maj. Maynard’s service to the Nation and our Company as well as honoring local veterans.

Independence Day Parade, Boston, MA

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Massachusetts State House, Boston, MA

HONOR GUARD DUTIES

The Company serves as the Honor Guard to the Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and participates in many official ceremonies. In addition, each year brings its own series of special events, and a chance not only to bear witness to history but to be an actual part of it! A few of these extra ordinary and special events include:

o Ancients lining the stairs of the Massachusetts State House on either side of the red carpet as part of the welcoming of dignitaries from all over the world who visit our historical city and are greeted by our Governor;

o Participating in Inauguration Day events, including hosting a “Governor’s Ball” for the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Ancients and their significant others. Newly-sworn governors are presented with their own Ancients blazer as one of several symbols of their historic ties to the Company;

o Lining the hallway between the Executive Office and the House Chambers while the Governor makes his way to deliver the State of the State Address;

o On Veterans’ Day we will again line the hallway and then march down the grand staircase and pass before the Governor and guests before his Veterans’ day address.

o Finally, is the “Lone Walk” ceremony, a uniquely Massachusetts tradition, dating back to Governor Increase Sumner’s leaving office in 1799.

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Drumhead election, June Day, on the Carty Parade Ground, Boston Common, Boston, MA

ELECTIONS AND COMMAND Drum Head Election In March of each year the call goes out for those who wish to submit their names for AHAC office. Command, committee, and sergeant positions are available for qualified candidates. Elections take place in May and on June Day the “Drum Head Election” ceremony is re-enacted on Boston Common. Other positions are appointed by the Captain Commanding from among the membership.

Organizational - Command Structure Commander-in-Chief: Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Command Staff Elected Officers: (Elected each year by the Company include the following)

Captain Commanding 1st Lieutenant

2nd Lieutenant Quartermaster

Paymaster Commissary Officer

Adjutant & Clerk

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Committees Standing Committee Under the direction of the Captain Commanding, this committee consists of members of the Command Staff, as well as the Chairs and Secretaries of elected committees, and a representative of the Society of Past Commanders.

Elected Committees Members of the Trustees of the Permanent Fund, Finance Committee, and Military Museum & Library Committee are all elected. All have five members who serve a term of five years in office.

Appointed Committees Other Committees of importance with appointed members include: Recruitment & Retention, Membership, Military Support, Protocol, Anniversary, and FFDTD Committees

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ELECTED SERGEANTS

The Sergeants are the backbone of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts. They help it stand tall throughout the year. They are “on duty” during most of their twelve months…more so than most members realize.

Since the chartering of the Company, sergeants have held their office by a vote of the membership. There are six Sergeants of Infantry and six Sergeants of Artillery who form bonds that last a lifetime. Upon completion of their tour of duty they earn the right to wear the red “elected sergeants disc” on their parade uniform in recognition of their service to the Company.

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MEDALS, RIBBONS, and INSIGNIA Each member is entitled to wear the Ancients insignia and ribbons and medals of the Company, the Centennial Legion of Historic Military Commands, and those earned by participation in the Fall Field Day Tour of Duty service. There are also other medals that may be earned such as the “Long Service” medal and others based upon their activities with the Company. Those who have earned Federal, state or foreign military awards and decorations are entitled to wear them on their Ancients uniforms. In addition, those who have attained rank in the US armed forces may, in addition to any rank attained with the Company, wear their rank upon the sleeve of their parade and mess dress uniforms.

Rank System The company acknowledges federal and National Guard rank which is placed after the Company rank in the roster. While members with current or prior military service may wear their rank upon the sleeve of their parade and mess dress uniforms, Ancient rank precedes all others. Only the Captain Commanding and the First and Second Lieutenants are permitted to display rank upon their epaulettes.

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Stairway of the Constitution.

Armory, Faneuil Hall. Boston, MA

AN INVITATION

Why merely hear about history when you can bear witness and be a part of it!

The Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts is the oldest chartered military organization in the Western Hemisphere. The Pontifical Swiss Guard (1506) and the Honorable Artillery Company of London (1537), with whom we maintain close ties, are older. Being an “Ancient” is an attainable privilege for those able to meet our standards and willing to actively support the Company and its Mission. The best way to become an Ancient is to talk to an Ancient, and participate in some of our events as a guest. If you love history, are civic minded, proudly support and honor those who are serving and those who have served our nation, are looking to make new lifelong friends, and enjoy travel, becoming an Ancient is an opportunity not to be missed!

The AHAC at the swearing in ceremonies of the Pontifical Swiss Guard at the Vatican

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CONTACT

For additional information please contact:

Executive Secretary 617.2271638 M-F 9AM-3:30PM

ExecSec@ahac.us.com

Or Visit:

www.ahac.us.com