The Artillery Company of Newport has graciously extended an invitation to Newport VFW Post 406 members to join them in their annual event held in honor of Saint Barbara, patron saint of the Artillery. It will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2026, at the Artillery Company of Newport armory at 23 Clarke Street, Newport. Please RSVP to 401-846-8488. Attire is Military Mess Dress or civilian dress suit. It is not required to have served in an artillery unit to attend. While the event is free, a donation of a new unwrapped toy is requested to be donated for distribution by the Newport Police Department.
The Artillery Company of Newport, chartered in 1741 by King George II of Great Britain, is today a ceremonial unit of the Rhode Island Militia, Council of Historic Military Commands. As such, the Company provides cannon salutes, color guards, and honor guards for official state and local ceremonies, as well as for privately sponsored patriotic and veterans’ events. Throughout its proud history of over 281 years, the Artillery Company has served with distinction in both war and peace, including service in the French Indian Wars, the War of the Revolution, at the Battle of Lake Erie in the War of 1812, at the First Battle of Bull Run during the Civil War, and the Spanish-American War. Individual Members of the Company have served in each of this country’s 20th and 21st Century military engagements.
