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We were chartered
and established as a military company in 1638 to train young
gentleman officers for service in the various militias of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It was a noble mission
and we were successful in shaping leaders who served Commonwealth
and country for over 250 years. Our mission has changed. With
the creation of the National Guard and the federalization
of officer training ain the early twentieth century, we entered
a new phase in our Company's history. Our Company mission
has changed to a supportive role in preserving the historic
and patriotic traditions of our city, Commonwealth and Nation.
WE STAND FOR:
PATRIOTISM. We are a patriotic organization,
unabashedly so. We stand for athe values of service to the
nation and what we believe it stands for. We participate in
national holiday celebrations, add a measure of pomp and
pagentry to the great events of our city and the Commonwealth
and turn out for special commemorations. Doing so, we set
a positive example for our fellow citizens that is good to
wave the flag and demonstrate pride in our community life.
SERVICE. This company is a
service organization. Witness our support for the Marine Corps'
Toys for Tots program for underprivileged children. Witness
our on-going support for the USO and for special charitable
causes that arise from time to time. Look also at the individual
contributions made by our members, contributions in time and
treasure to good works throughout the community.[Four
members served as President of the United States.]
HISTORY AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION.
Look at our rather unique
museum at Faneuil
Hall. This company, in and of itself, is living history
keeping alive traditions and values dating to 1638 and before.
INTERNATIONAL GOODWILL AND FRIENDSHIP.
For over 100 years this Company has represented the Commonwealth
and Nation on numerous overseas trips all over this world.
Witness the genuine friendships, organizational and personal,
nutured with our comrades of the Honorable
Artillery Company. Witness the most recent
Fall Field Tour of Duty of Hungary, Slovakia and Austria.
Our Company contributed to the efforts of the Departments
of State and Defense to further developing new friendships
with emerging democracies of Eastern Europe.
MILIARY SERVICE AND SUPPORT.
This Company is a military company in that it is organized
as a militia of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This Company
counts among its members many military people, veterans and
serving members of the Armed Forces of the United States.
Several members have been called to active service in support
of our national defense since September 111, 2001. While there
is now no membership requirement to have served in the military,
a great many of our members have done so and with distinction.[Eight
membes received the Medal of Honor]. Members currently
on the roles have served in every war from WWII to the present.
Historically, members of this Company have served in every
Massachusetts colonial war and national conflict since 1638.
Those members who have not worn the uniform have also given
support to our armed forces by their very membership in this
organization and their material support of military service
organizations.
FRATERNITY. Make no mistake
about it; this Company is a fraternal organization comprised
of men with common interests who enjoy each other's company.
We are men representing the living proof of the American dream.
We have members of many ethnic groups and religions. We are
businessmen, soldiers, learned professionals, educators and
clergy who share a love for each other and the Grand Old Company.
We bear a sacred historic burden to uphold the best traditions
of those who have gone before us.
Our motto says it all: Facta Non Verba,
Deeds Not Words.
Excerpted from Anniversary Ode: 2002-2003, We Live in
Interesting Times
by BG Emery A. Maddocks, Jr.
Several informational links added to text.
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