The Association Today
The Association today has a core group of less than thirty old soldiers that manage to keep things rolling along for a combined roster of well over three thousand. The single high point of each year has become the annual dinner, and as far as we can tell, has always been so since the battery was originally formed back in 1866. We can only guess how this annual event was modified for war years, but in modern times we do what we can to continue the legacy of the Portland Light Battery by mingling the old soldiers with the new.
This dinner is normally held in the armory in November of each year and keeps mixing new blood into the Association. Festivities include a display of photos and memorabilia of years gone by, a display of the primary weapon (howitzer) used by the current battery, remarks by a guest speaker, a photo session, and a general melding of both old and new soldiers. Good times are hashed and re-hashed; stories told and re-told; and plenty of wild rumors - some of which manage to find a foothold.
This traditionally stag event is highlighted by the Association's award to the current Battery's outstanding soldier. This soldier, chosen by current battery leadership for outstanding performance during the entire year, is publically honored and given a modest cash award. In addition, his name will be engraved on a perpetual trophy that is kept with the A Battery Association's archives.
Even though the annual dinner is the primary event for the Association, all year long it continues to promote the rich history of the battery and its people. Our archive of historic documents, pictures, plaques, trophies, and guidons is always in flux and is currently being prepared for digital electronic cataloguing and photographing. No small endeavor; and something that won't happen overnight.
Another of our major tasks is this website. For the first time in our 142 year history, the Portland Light Battery is available at the touch of a button. Oh Lord, what have we started now!?