Historic Washington Artillery holds annual ceremonies
By Spc. Duncan Foote, Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office
NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 141st Field Artillery Regiment, 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, also known as the Washington Artillery, held its annual memorial wreath-laying ceremony at Lake Lawn Metairie cemetery, Dec. 3, and its 184th annual Pass-in-Review at Jackson Barracks, Dec. 4.
These two traditional events reflect the long and decorated history of the 1-141st. The Washington Artillery Veterans Association (WAVA) began holding the wreath-laying ceremony in 1965 to honor the unit’s heritage and its fallen Soldiers. Lt. Col. Christian Cannon, commander of the 1-141st, stood in front of his battalion and conveyed the significance of their presence at the memorial statue.
The following day, Guardsmen of the 1-141st participated in the battalion’s 184th Pass-in-Review ceremony. The Pass-in-Review dates from the earliest time in military history and demonstrates the glory and strength of the assembled troops who march in formation before their military leaders.
The LANG’s 156th Army Band played during the arrival of the official party, consisting of Maj. Gen. Keith Waddell, adjutant general of the LANG; Col Jonathan Lloyd, commander of the 256th IBCT; Lt. Col. Christopher McElrath, outgoing 1-141st commander; Lt. Col. Christian Cannon, incoming 1-141st commander; and Command Sgt. Maj. Clifford Ockman, command senior enlisted leader of the LANG.
In his remarks, Waddell commended the unit on the accomplishments they achieved during the past three years, noting the battalion’s range of service from emergency operations to deployments both overseas and at the border.
“You sound great, you look great, you’re doing a fantastic job, and I want you all to know how much I value and appreciate your service to our state and our country. We certainly couldn’t do all the great things we do without you,” Waddell told the battalion.
During the event, a change of command ceremony was held welcoming Cannon as the new commander of the 1-141st.
“It’s always been a dream of mine, and I remain truly humbled that I had the opportunity to command and deploy with the famed Washington Artillery,” said McElrath, the outgoing commander.
McElrath commanded the 1-141st for the past three years, including a successful overseas deployment to Iraq and surrounding areas, where the battalion conducted counter-fire missions on enemy combatants for the first time in almost 20 years.
“Be ready. We’re going to get the call. I don’t know if its going to be for an all-hazards mission, or to put steel down range, but we will get the call … so take advantage of your training,” Cannon told his Troops.
The 1-141st is the oldest unit in the LANG and the oldest field artillery battalion outside of the original 13 colonies. It has a storied history in the state culminating, at present, to its recent deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.