Welcome!

Welcome to the Veteran Corps of Artillery Web site. The Corps has been in existence for over 200 years serving our Nation and State. We are delighted to share with you our history and present day missions.

The Corps was formed on Evacuation Day, November 25, 1790. Veterans of Washington’s Continental Army Corps of Artillery met at the City Arms Tavern to establish an independent artillery company to prevent a return invasion by the British. Because of its Revolutionary origins, the Corps has always been regarded as the senior military unit in the State of New York.

National Defense Extract

The Veteran Corps of Artillery State of New York is comprehended under The National Defense Act Public No. 85, 64th Congress (H.R. 12766) as being one of the NINE Historic Military Organizations, liable for duty under orders of the President in time of War.

Our Mission

• To preserve the military heritage of the State of New York
• To support military activities in the State of New York upon request

Support Activities

During the course of the drill year, the Corps participates in numerous civic, military and patriotic events providing color guards for New York’s signature parades and rendering artillery salutes from our Firing Battery of 75mm pack howitzers. On July 4th, 1794 the Corps fired its first Federal Artillery Salute from the Battery in New York City in celebration of our Nation’s Independence. It is our hope that we shall continue to render this Federal Salute on the 4th of July as long as the Nation and the Veteran Corps of Artillery endure.

National Service

Members of the Corps have served in every war and military action in America’s history. One of our officers, serving in the Army, recently returned from Iraq having earned two Bronze Stars, one of those for Valor. Another VCA member in the Army Medical Corps is currently serving in a field hospital in Afghanistan.