Readying their charges: Acton Independent Battery preps cannons for the 250th
The Battery fired 10 shots Saturday, giving volunteers a chance to practice with an audience ahead of Patriots Day 2025.
In anticipation of a full slate of activities marking next year’s 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution, the Acton Independent Battery, a volunteer group and familiar participant in town ceremonies and salutes, put in an extra practice session and invited the public to watch at the Old Manse Field on October 19.
The Battery’s pair of bronze 6-pounder artillery pieces fired 10 shots Saturday, giving the volunteers a chance to practice before performing next year with potentially thousands watching. “We’re trying to be proactive instead of reactive,” said 40-year veteran and current Battery captain Peter Myette.
Acton Independent Battery has been ceremonial and volunteer from the start. The original 1804 artillery pieces are on display at the State House. The carriages used Saturday also date to the group’s genesis in 1804, but the cannons are from 1842.
“These guns have never been fired in anger,” said Doug Macone, a past captain and 53-year veteran of the group.
