Frequently Asked Questions

The United States Field Artillery Association recognizes the tremendous value of Saint Barbara's legacy, particularly the celebrations and awards associated with her name. Such activities and recognition bring the artillery's venerable history to mind, but they have another, more significant function: they establish a standard of excellence for aspiring Redlegs. More than any other event in the life of Field Artillery Soldiers, Saint Barbara's Day offers an opportunity to enhance professional commitment and underscore lofty standards of excellence.

Our History

Reading the legend of Saint Barbara is an important part of every celebration. Such readings may be included as part of a ceremony for the Orders of Saint Barbara or may occur earlier in the program. There is no established rule about who should read the legend, but whoever does should practice. A good legend will include historical information and the symbolic importance of Saint Barbara. See The Legend of St. Barbara, The Story of Molly Pitcher, and Fiddler's Green.

St. Barbara's Day Celebrations — What is a “Dining Out”?

The dining-in is one of the more common ways to celebrate Saint Barbara's Day. It involves only Redlegs and selected guests. It is a formal dinner with strict rules of conduct. Two persons — Mr. President and Mr. Vice — control the progress of the dinner. This type of celebration is an excellent way to gather Redlegs together socially and build on the camaraderie of a particular unit.

The dining-out is quite similar to the dining-in. The only difference is that spouses are included. The dining-out is a formal affair, and strict rules of conduct still apply.

Attire

For the 2026 Dining Out, dress is cocktail attire; Soldiers are encouraged to attend in uniform. A traditional Saint Barbara's dining-in or dining-out is a formal affair — the standards below describe that traditional formality for reference.

Military Personnel (traditional standard)

Traditionally, dress is Bow Tie: military personnel wear the black bow tie with the Army Blue, Army Blue Mess, Army White, or Army White Mess uniform. Celebrants may wear ribbons or miniature or regular medals on the Army Blue or White uniforms; miniature medals are appropriate on the mess uniforms.

Civilian (traditional standard)

For a traditional formal celebration, civilian guests wear the tuxedo or formal gown.

Rules of the Mess

The Receiving Line

Receiving lines usually are located near an entrance and are kept as short as possible. The first person in the line will be an individual whose sole duty is to announce the names of the guests. His job is merely to introduce arriving guests to the next person in the line. As couples approach, the man moves to the right of the woman, so she is ahead of him, and states the woman's name to the first person in line. After the woman has been introduced, the man introduces himself. Extended conversation has no place in a receiving line.

Toasts

Toasts are a traditional element of the dining-in and dining-out. Planners must decide in advance the subject of each toast and the person who will present it. Toasts may be made to the President of the United States, the United States Army, the division, the regiment, and the unit. Finally, a toast should be given in the name of Saint Barbara. The proper procedure is to hold the toasting glass at waist level; when the toast is proposed, repeat the subject, raise the glass to eye level, and take a drink. No toasts other than those listed in the program should be offered.

The Punch aka “Grog”

The Grog Ceremony, a revered tradition during the St. Barbara's Day celebrations, is a symbolic rite that honors new gunners as they join the ranks of the esteemed Field Artillery. This ceremonial mixing of the Field Artillery Punch introduces them to the ‘most dreaded weapon’ of the artillery. The ‘charges’ added trace back to our historical roots:

• Champagne for the dignified presence and quality of artillery.
• Corn squeezin's and Scotch reflect our American and British heritages.
• Cognac acknowledges the French contributions to our freedom.
• A blended bourbon unites all arms and allies, emphasizing our joint effort on the battlefield.

The ceremony culminates with a red elixir, symbolizing the blood of those who have sacrificed for freedom. The Grog Ceremony is not just about the punch; it's about honoring tradition, recognizing the past, and instilling a sense of unity and purpose among the artillerymen.

Awards

The Honorable Order of St. Barbara

The Order of Saint Barbara is awarded through the U.S. Field Artillery Association (USFAA) and the Air Defense Artillery Association (ADAA) and has two levels. The Honorable Order of Saint Barbara is awarded to those who have demonstrated the highest standards of integrity and moral character, an outstanding degree of professional competence, and selfless service to the Artillery. The Ancient Order of Saint Barbara is reserved for those who have achieved long-term, exceptional service to the artillery surpassing even their brethren in the Honorable Order — approved by the Commanding General, United States Army Field Artillery Center and Fort Sill.

The Molly Pitcher Award

The Honorable Order of Molly Pitcher is bestowed by the USFAA and ADAA to recognize military spouses who have voluntarily contributed in a significant way to the improvement of the U.S. Field Artillery or Air Defense Artillery communities. Learn more about the United States Field Artillery Association.