Artillery Piece on the Esplanade

"Your bring the music, I'll bring the cannons"
When David Mugar spoke those words to Arthur Fiedler, a new American tradition was born. On July 4, 1974, here on the shores of the Charles River, the pair first combined the music of a great conposer, the performance of a great orchestra, historic church bells, massive displays of fireworks, and the mighty voice of a battery of 105 millimeter howitzer cannons to bring a whole new meaning to the Fourth of July.

On the twenty-fifth reenactment of that historic occurance, in the presence of hundreds of thousands of people who gather each year to celebrate the nation's birthday, this cannon is posted in tribute to the inspiration of David G. Mugar, and in grateful recognition of his annual gift to the Commonwealth he loves.

Presented July 4, 1998 By
A Paul Cellucci, Governor
Kathleen M. O'Toole, Secretary of Public Safety
David B. Balfour, Jr., MDC Commissioner

Photo 84e, July 2012

Artillery Piece on the esplanade

Photo 85e, July 2012