[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 161 (Friday, September 28, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S6383]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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      RECOGNIZING THE ANCIENT AND HONORABLE ARTILLERY COMPANY OF 
                             MASSACHUSETTS

 Mr. MARKEY. Mr. President, today I would like to honor the 
Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts--the oldest 
chartered military organization in the Western Hemisphere--on its 381st 
Fall Field Day Tour of Duty. Its charter was signed in 1638 by John 
Winthrop, then-Governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The Ancient 
and Honorables continue to serve the Commonwealth as a vital part of 
its militia, subject to the direction of the adjutant general of the 
Massachusetts National Guard.
  Although the Ancient and Honorables have long served as the honor 
guard for the Governor of the Commonwealth, they continue to play an 
integral role in the State's civic rituals. Among their 
responsibilities, they participate in the inaugurals of State 
constitutional officers, the annual State of the Commonwealth address, 
and the yearly celebration of the Constitution of the United States 
from the historic State house in the heart of old Boston, but most 
importantly, they stand ready to assist in times of peril or emergency.
  May the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts long 
continue its role in fostering, supporting, and preserving the civic 
life of the city of Boston, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the 
United States of America. The Ancients serve as world ambassadors of 
the United States, where, on their Fall Field Day Tour of Duty, they 
pay their respects to fallen soldiers of all nations who have paid the 
ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom.
  Today I would like to recognize the Ancient and Honorable Artillery 
Company of Massachusetts for their civic responsibilities, patriotic 
duties, and community service. May they continue their proud traditions 
for many years to come.

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