19 Gun Salute On Boston Common Monday To Mark June Day

BOSTON (CBS) --Don't be alarmed if you hear gunshots on the Boston Common Monday afternoon.

The Ancient Artillery Company will fire a 19 gun salute at 2:45 p.m. to celebrate the June Day Parade.

On the first Monday in June, the Ancient Artillery Company holds their elections for officers and sergeants.

But before members vote, a parade with over 20 visiting organizations steps off from Government Center to the Granary Burial Ground on Tremont Street.

Once there, the company lays a wreath at the grave of Robert Keayne, the first commander of the company.

The Ancient Artillery Company also holds parades for the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving Day and Patriots' Day.

The company was first established as a military company in 1638 to train young officers for service in the various militias in the state.

Today, the group aims to preserve patriotic traditions in Massachusetts.