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Happy St. Barbara’s Day to all of my Field Artillery brothers and sisters.

Legend has it that Saint Barbara, the patron saint of artillerymen, was tragically beheaded by her own father, a nobleman in the Roman Empire, for her devotion to Christianity. Shortly after, in a twist of fate, her father was struck down by lightning during a sudden, violent storm. Consequently, Saint Barbara is revered as the patroness of those facing thunderstorms, fire, explosions, or the risk of sudden death.

In the early days of warfare, artillerymen often encountered cannon misfires, muzzle bursts, and weapon explosions. Artillery crews turned to Saint Barbara for protection. She has been protecting artillerymen for hundreds of years and has become an integral part of the Field Artillery’s heritage. Today, she continues to be honored as the patron saint for all artillerymen, depicted standing by a cannon or holding a chalice and sacramental wafer.