St. Barbara, Patron Saint of Artillery
Learn the history as it relates to the Marine Corps
Today, artillerymen worldwide recognize Barbara as the patron saint of their craft. Once a year, Marine artillerymen gather to honor Saint Barbara and celebrate the day of her feast (December 4), a tradition for all professional artillerymen. Artillerymen are a peculiar breed. Part grunt, part Motor T (transport), part communications, and part deaf, they have a long lineage dating back to the Roman legions in 399 BC.
Photo Credit: —Marines the 1st Marine Division fire an M777 Howitzer during an exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California.
USMC photo by Cpl. Demetrius Morgan
