376th First Muster in Salem Next Weekend

The Second Corps Cadets Veterans Association in conjunction with the Salem Veterans Council and the Massachusetts National Guard will conduct the 376th annual First Muster on Saturday, April 6.

The events schedule will be as follows: St Peter's Church, 9:30 a.m.; Armory Park, 10:15 a.m.; Salem Common,  11:30 a.m.

Background

The history of the Massachusetts National Guard began on December 13, 1636 when the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony ordered the organization of the colony's militia companies into the North, South, and East Regiments.

The colonists adopted the English militia system as their model, which obligated all males between the ages of 16 and 60 to possess arms and participate in the defense of the community. The early colonial militia drilled once a week and provided guard details to sound the alarm in case of attack.

Today, the 101st Engineer Battalion, the 101st Field Artillery Regiment, the 181st Infantry Regiment, and the 182nd Infantry Regiment of the Massachusetts National Guard continue their historic mission of continuous service since 1636 for both national and state defense.

Each year, the Second Corps Cadets Veterans Association hosts the recreation of the First Muster in Salem, Massachusetts. This year the First Muster will be held on Saturday, April 6th commencing with a service at Saint Peter's Church recognizing Major General Stephen Abbott, founder of the Second Corps of Cadets, who is buried there and Brigadier General John Glover who was born in a house next to the Church. A three volley salute is fired by Glover's Regiment and the Danvers Alarm List outside the Church.

The units then proceed to Armory Park in front of the historic Salem Armory building where a ceremony honoring those Salem militiamen who died in the Revolutionary War are honored. The units next parade to Salem Common where the First Muster recreation is conducted by the descendants of the original 1637 First Muster regiments, still serving in the Massachusetts National Guard today. A military aircraft flyover and a cannon salute precede the Pass in Review by active and veteran units.

The event highlights the military history of Salem and service members, veterans, and the general public are welcome to attend to show support and appreciation for our troops.