Horse Guard Participates In Powder House Day
Horse Guard Participates In Powder House Day
The Second Company Governorâs Horse Guard recently participated in Powder House Day, a re-enactment on the march of the Second Company Governorâs Foot Guard and the Departure of the Command to Cambridge, Mass, in which they marched on City Hall to request the keys for supplies of powder and ball on April 22, 1775. Led by Commandant Benedict Arnold, 2GHG had voted to assist at the Battle of Lexington, 58 guardsmen received a blessing from Reverend Jonathan Edwards and they marched to Beerâs Tavern and demanded the keys from the First Selectmen.
The Powder House Day re-enactment has been a yearly tradition since 1904 and, until 1913, the march was completed on horseback. For the first time in 96 years, horses were once again marching on City Hall. On April 25, five 2GHG horses led the march, carrying the four State Militia Commandants and a Guidon on the New Haven Green.
2GFG Commander Major Peter D. Laffin rode Dallas, 2GHG Commander Major Gordon Johnson rode Morgan, 1GFG Commander Major William Oeffinger rode Patton, 1GHG Commander Major Michael Downes rode Kid and 2GHG SGT Melanie Viets carried the 2GFG Guidon, on Cole.
1GFG Executive Officer CPT Alice C. Cronin represented LT Jesse Levenworth, and New Haven Alderwoman Frances T. Clark stood in as First Selectman. Colonel David Wooster posed as Brigadier General Louis J. Preziosi and 2GFG Chaplain Reverend Mister John Depastino presented mass at Center Church. In addition, 2GFG CPL Judith Fiengo played the organ and the 2GFG band played Taps, America and the Federal March.
After the church ceremony the four Militia Commandants mounted their horses and led the march around the Green to City Hall. Following the demanding of the Keys, there was a Battalion Review on the Green.
Also attending were CPT Ed Hebert of the Centennial Legion, 2GFG Troopers, 2GHG Executive Officer CPT Pamela Berlekovic and several 2GHG members.
The troopers and mounts of the 2GHG remain, as always, âReady to Serve.â