First Litchfield Artillery Regiment Commemorates 4th of July (Video and Photos)

The state of Connecticut formally chartered the First Litchfield Artillery Regiment as a private militia in 1965, but its origins actually date back to 1963. Eric Hatch, a veteran of both world wars and a staff writer on the New Yorker, conceived the idea for the group's formation two years before its official recognition by the state. The group is dedicated to preserving the tradition of horse-drawn artillery in Connecticut and participates in commemorating holidays such as Memorial Day, the 4^th of July, and Veterans’ Day. According to the group’s commander, Colonel John Harrison, the group has about 25 members, 23 of whom call Connecticut their home. There is one member who lives in Massachusetts, and one who lives in the state of Washington.

Colonel Harrison, a B-52 bomber pilot formerly stationed at Westover AFB, is a Vietnam War veteran who flew 157 missions during four tours of duty. Colonel Harrison retired from the service in 1977. He first saw the group in the 1977 Memorial Day parade in Litchfield and was admitted to its ranks as a private in 1987. In his 24-year tenure with the organization, he has worked his way up the ranks from private to colonel.

The artillery group owns five 1841-vintage reproduction smooth-bore cannons. They fire six-pound projectiles and are transported by trailers to participate in events of historical significance and to firing competitions. Monday, the group commemorated two of Connecticut’s Revolutionary War heroes— General Oliver Wolcott and Colonel Benjamin Tallmadge. Both men are buried in the East Cemetery on Route 118 in Litchfield. Oliver Wolcott was actually a signer of the Declaration of Independence and was charged by the Continental Congress with protecting New York City from the British. Tallmadge, a Yale grad and classmate of Nathan Hale, was appointed chief of intelligence by George Washington. He later served eight terms as a congressman from Connecticut. Precisely at noon Monday, the First Litchfield Artillery Regiment fired a volley of three cannon shots each for Wolcott and for Tallmadge as part of a ceremony honoring the memory of these two Revolutionary War heroes.

After moving their artillery piece to the East Green in Litchfield, the group commenced firing a volley of 13 shots at 1:45 p.m. The volley was timed in such a way that the 13^th and final shot would occur at exactly 2 p.m. In accordance with the provisions of Concurrent Resolution 25, the final shot was followed by the ringing of church bells in Litchfield at exactly 2 p.m., on July 4^th. The ceremony is designed to emulate the first ringing of the Liberty Bell at Independence Hall in Philadelphia at 2 p.m., on July 4, 1776. The 13 shots represent the 13 colonies.

The historical basis of Concurrent Resolution 25 is an article that Eric Hatch co-wrote with his friend, author and artist Eric Sloane. Hatch and Sloane published an article called “Let Freedom Really Ring” on February 17, 1963 in This Week magazine. Former Connecticut governor and senator Abe Ribicoff read the article and used the authors’ suggestions as the basis of Concurrent Resolution 25, which passed both houses of Congress on June 26, 1963. The nationwide ringing of bells at 2 p.m. has become a program known as “Let Freedom Ring.” Its origins are right here in Connecticut!

The Model 1841 bronze cannon used yesterday was the same bronze cannon dedicated in June 1973 to the founder and first commander of the First Litchfield Artillery Regiment, Eric Hatch. In a remarkable historical coincidence, that bronze cannon completed its first firing on the 4^th of July at 2 p.m. Eric Hatch died 13 minutes later. It was as if he had mustered just enough energy to last long enough for the firing of the cannon that had just been dedicated to him.

Notes, Sources, and Links:

1. The next shooting competition for the First Litchfield Artillery Regiment is July 16 and 17 in South Westerlo, NY. It is both a cannon and mortar shoot. According to Col. Harrison, the group usually wins the competitions that it participates in and is the “best in the country.”
2. The group contains both veterans and non-veterans.
3. Three group members are from Durham: Allen Patterson and Hans and Corey Pedersen. One of the unit’s cannons is in Durham and is used on Memorial Day to start the Washington Trail roadrace.
4. Two members of the unit are currently on active duty with the Army.
5. According to military protocol, a 21 gun salute is restricted for the President of the United States.
6. Click on this link to read more about DOI signer Oliver Wolcott:
7. Eric Sloane is a pseudonym. The famous painter and chronicler of Americana’s real name was Everard Jean Hinrichs. He took “Eric” from the last 4 letters of the word “America.” Most appropriate.
8. Benjamin Tallmadge was considered the most handsome man of his time.
9. findagrave.com

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