Salem 'First Muster' To Feature 600 Troops For 386th Anniversary

SALEM, MA — More than 600 reenactment troops, a cannon salute, helicopter landing and rededication of the Washington Arch are all set to be part of this year's anniversary of the Massachusetts National Guard rendering of "First Muster" in Salem.

The birthplace of the Massachusetts National Guard will host the event on Saturday, which is also scheduled to include a howitzer cannon salute and a military jet flyover.

"Salem takes great pride in being the birthplace of the American National Guard," Salem Acting Mayor Robert McCarthy said. "The annual commemoration on Salem Common has become a
beloved community tradition that acknowledges and celebrates the city's rich military history and Salem's veterans."

The public is invited to the free event that will begin with a General Abbott Ceremony in front of St. Peter's Church at 8 a.m., a ceremony at Armory Park at 9 a.m., a parade of units to the Salem Common at 9:30 a.m., and the "First Muster" event at 10 a.m. in the Salem Common.

Area residents are advised to expect loud noises and a military presence associated with the event that day.

This year's event will also feature the rededication of the Washington Arch, which was restored through the Salem Common Neighborhood Association.

"All the veterans of Salem are proud to be such an integral part of our country's unique military history," Salem Veteran Council Commander, LTC (ret.) Joe Cole said.

The Washington Arch celebrates Salem Common as a training ground for the militia in 1801. The decorative entrance to the park, styled after a Roman triumphal arch, was designed as a tribute to George Washington in 1805.

The Arch stood until 1850 when it was removed during a renovation and the addition of a cast iron fence. A replica Arch was commissioned in 1976 as part of the Bicentennial but deteriorated in subsequent years.

In 2010, the Salem Common Neighborhood Association began raising funds to restore the Arch to its current location. The Arch has now been completed with the restoration including the carvings of Washington, the accompanying swags and the shining golden eagle.

Free parking and refreshments for the event will be available at O'Donnell's at 84 Washington Square.

Those seeking more information can call 978-745-0883.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)