Veteran Corps of Artillery of the State of New York

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.

NY State Assembly Bill 2023-A6287C Designates a portion of the highway system in Kings county as the "Fort Hamilton Veterans Memorial Highway".

It thrills us to no end when we make DVIDS

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353rd CACOM hosts change of command, welcomes new commander 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...