July 4th - Salute to the Nation

The yearly Salute to the Nation on the 4th of July is the VCA's flagship event. A full parade formation is assembled for a march to Castle Clinton at Battery Park for the raising of the national flag. When the flag detail has completed, the howitzer battery fires a single shot, followed by the field music. The march continues to the water, where the firing battery is formed. After introductory remarks, the Commandant reads the name of each State in the Union and its date of entry, marked by a volley from the howitzer battery.