I never miss the Drum Head Election of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts on the Common, which has taken place on the first Monday of June every year, without fail, since 1638.


This year the rain let up just in time for the firing of the howitzers:


While technically it's the Governor—Commander-in-Chief of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts military forces—who's supposed to inspect the troops, it was Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray who showed up today. And a smattering of spectators (is six a smattering?), none of whom had the faintest idea what was happening, I'm pretty sure.

Just so you know—for next year—The Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts is the third oldest chartered military organization in the World. And when the time comes for the Commonwealth to join Vermont in declaring Independence from the United States our Commander-in-Chief, Deval Patrick, may get his shot at becoming President of a more more perfect union, with The Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts defending our fledgling democracy.