Honorable Order of Saint Barbara Script
It is now time to award our inductees.
S-1 OIC and assistants move forward to prepare awards.
We are honored this evening to recognize members of our ranks for their exceptional contributions to the Air Defense Artillery by inducting them into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara, and the Order of Molly Pitcher.
“Today’s celebration links the Air Defense Artillerymen of the past with those of the present. Air Defense Artillerymen around the world are linked together, bonded by the rich traditions and heritage of this “Profession”.
“The story of St. Barbara is told and retold every year around the world.
According to legend, the artillery's patron saint was the beautiful daughter of Dioscorus, a nobleman of the Roman Empire, believed to have lived in Nicomedia in Asia Minor about the Third or Fourth Century AD.
To limit Barbara's exposure to Christianity and encourage her development as a zealous pagan, her father kept her shut up in a tower, lighted by only two windows.
But from these windows she looked out upon the surrounding countryside and marveled at the living things. She concluded that they all must be part of a master plan and that the idols of wood and stone worshipped by her parents had to be condemned as false. She obtained instruction in Christianity and was baptized. In token of her faith while her father was away, she had another window pierced in the tower, making three, symbolizing the Holy Trinity. On his return Dioscorus asked why she had made this change and Barbara acknowledged her conversion. Despite his threats, she refused to renounce Christianity.
He delivered her to a Roman magistrate, who, even after torture, failed to persuade her. Dioscorus himself then took his daughter to a high mountain, where he, beheaded her. As he descended the mountain, he was caught in a sudden violent storm. In a blinding flash he was consumed by lightning.
As a logical consequence, Barbara came to be regarded as the sainted patroness of those in danger from thunderstorms, fire, and explosions -- that is to say, sudden death. Given the questionable reliability of early cannons - misfires, muzzle bursts, and exploding weapons were not uncommon-it is easy to see why our predecessors sought the protection of Saint Barbara. She has protected us ever since.”
“Will the inductees please form and come forward.”
Awardees will come forward and form in sequence.
“Will COL, CSM, please come FORWARD?”
(Above will come forward to present the awards. When all Awardees and the above are in place the ceremony will continue.)
“This evening, those that will stand before you are INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE DEMONSTRATED THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF INTEGRITY AND MORAL CHARACTER, DISPLAYED AN OUTSTANDING DEGREE OF COMPETENCE AND SERVED THE UNITED STATES ARMY AIR DEFENSE ARTILLERY BRANCH WITH SELFLESSNESS. THEY ALSO MUST HAVE SIGNIFICANTLY CONTRIBUTED TO THE PROMOTION OF THE AIR DEFENSE ARTILLERY IN WAYS THAT STAND OUT IN THE EYES OF THE HONOREE’S SENIORS, SUBORDINATES, AND PEERS ALIKE.
I will now read the citation:
“To all Artillerymen Where ever Ye may be, Greetings! Be it Known: By all ye Artillerymen who may be honored by their presence that the candidates standing before you have been tried and found worthy to be numbered as one of our trusty members, have been gathered to our fold and duly initiated into the solemn mysteries of this traditional brotherhood of Stonehurlers, Archers, Catapulters, Rocketeers, and Gunners.
Be it further understood: That we hereby confer upon them all the rights and privileges there into pertaining and enjoin all artillerymen henceforth to show them due honor and respect whenever they may enter our midst.
“The following individuals are being presented the Honorable Saint Barbara medals.”
MC: “At this time will our inductees, COL, CSM, please take a glass from the Grog for a toast.”
MC: “AT THIS TIME WE WILL DO THE CEREMONIAL FIRST TOAST FOR OUR NEWEST INDUCTEES, SIR WILL YOU DO THE HONORS”
COL: Lift glass to Inductees…”_______________”
AWARDEES Response: FIRST TO FIRE!!!