There are many Marine Corps traditions... as new Artillery folk, we were exposed to another this weekend.
Saint Barbara is the patron saint of artillerymen and was the daughter of a wealthy aristocrat. This aristocrat was concerned that her breathtaking beauty would lead to marriage, so he selfishly locked her in a tower to prevent interaction with the outside world. While she was in the tower, she secretly studied Christianity and observed the countryside. Her studies and observations lead to a deep belief in her new faith. Before her father went on a long journey, he promised to build her a bath house and approved the plans. While he was gone, she altered the architecture to include three windows instead of the original two, representing the Holy Trinity. Upon his return, her father was appalled at her support of Christianity and ordered her execution by beheading, carrying out the task himself. On his way home from the execution, the aristocrat was struck by lightning and killed on the spot.
Saint Barbara became the patron saint of artillerymen in the early years of cannon battle when they were very unreliable. It was often more dangerous to be loading and firing a cannon than it was to be in front of one. Because of Saint Barbara's association with lightning, fire, and sudden death, she was charged with the protection of artillerymen. To this day, Saint Barbara is said to accompany each artilleryman who goes to battle.
In honor of St. Bab's Day, Troy's unit had a ball where many traditions were carried out and the history of St. Barbara was reenacted. The night began with cocktail hour and socializing as well as good food.
As we enjoyed dinner, a few Marines performed skits about St. Barbara and Artillery. Troy helped create a skit based on the TV show Jeopardy. The skit made fun of different people and events occurring in his unit. They harassed Marines with twisted ankles, Knockouts thanks to pugil sticks (like on American Gladiators), bicycle wrecks, and more. Troy played the part of a contestant who answered the same name for every question... until it was the correct answer when he chose a different Marine. Definitely a humorous experience.
Saint Barbara is the patron saint of artillerymen and was the daughter of a wealthy aristocrat. This aristocrat was concerned that her breathtaking beauty would lead to marriage, so he selfishly locked her in a tower to prevent interaction with the outside world. While she was in the tower, she secretly studied Christianity and observed the countryside. Her studies and observations lead to a deep belief in her new faith. Before her father went on a long journey, he promised to build her a bath house and approved the plans. While he was gone, she altered the architecture to include three windows instead of the original two, representing the Holy Trinity. Upon his return, her father was appalled at her support of Christianity and ordered her execution by beheading, carrying out the task himself. On his way home from the execution, the aristocrat was struck by lightning and killed on the spot.
Saint Barbara became the patron saint of artillerymen in the early years of cannon battle when they were very unreliable. It was often more dangerous to be loading and firing a cannon than it was to be in front of one. Because of Saint Barbara's association with lightning, fire, and sudden death, she was charged with the protection of artillerymen. To this day, Saint Barbara is said to accompany each artilleryman who goes to battle.
In honor of St. Bab's Day, Troy's unit had a ball where many traditions were carried out and the history of St. Barbara was reenacted. The night began with cocktail hour and socializing as well as good food.
 |
| Troy and I all dolled up for the ball. :) |
 |
| Our souvenirs.. Pilsner Glasses reading "Saint Barbara's Ball, Okinawa, Japan" with the Unit Symbol in the middle and "Celebration in honor of Saint Barbara, Patron Saint of Artillerymen" |
As we enjoyed dinner, a few Marines performed skits about St. Barbara and Artillery. Troy helped create a skit based on the TV show Jeopardy. The skit made fun of different people and events occurring in his unit. They harassed Marines with twisted ankles, Knockouts thanks to pugil sticks (like on American Gladiators), bicycle wrecks, and more. Troy played the part of a contestant who answered the same name for every question... until it was the correct answer when he chose a different Marine. Definitely a humorous experience.
 |
| Another skit making fun of Tank drivers and Infantrymen. |
After the skits, the artillery punch was mixed. Two chemists (yes, I was jealous) mixed a vat of ingredients necessary for an artilleryman's success. The Blood of the American Eagle, Breath of Dragons, Wrath of Hades, Vile of Leprechaun Luck, Eyes of a Hawk, Wire for Communication, Maps, Charts, Wrenches, Tires, Dirty Socks, Artillery Pieces, Gunpowder, and Sand from Iwo Jima were all combined. These created a grog that the most expendable Marine must taste. A goblet was filled and who was called to the front.....
Lt. Troy Walton, the newest 0802 (Artillery Officer). Being the newest member of the Unit, he was elected to have the first taste!
 |
| Mixing of the Artillery Punch!! |
Troy drank the grog like a champ in only two swigs, got inspected by the General (the second highest ranking artillery officer in the entire Marine Corps), and the punch was deemed unsatisfactory. The punch was "saved for next year" and 2010's grog was presented to the guests. Troy's grog didn't actually have chunks of wire and blood in it thanks to a sneaky slight of hand. He described it as hot sauce, five types of liquor, and "something chunky". Luckily, the grog served to the rest of us was just rum punch. :)
It was a fun night of Marine Corps traditions!
Enjoy a video of Troy drinking the Artillery Grog!
It may be easier to view HERE since the blog made it so small!
 |
| Remember, even on a rainy day, beauty can be found. :) |
