Soldiers of the 94th AAMDC were inducted into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara's during a ceremony, June 10, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
The Honorable Order of Saint Barbara recognizes those individuals who have demonstrated the highest standards of integrity and moral character; displayed an outstanding degree of professional competence; served the United States Army or Marine Corps Field Artillery with selflessness; and contributed to the promotion of the Field Artillery in ways that stand out in the eyes of the recipient's seniors, subordinates and peers alike.
According to legend, St. Barbara’s father, the tyrant and pagan Dioscorus, feared that his daughter was so beautiful that she would be demanded in marriage. If taken away from him, he also feared that she would have exposure to Christianity.
Therefore, he secluded her in a tower to hide her from the world. In her solitude, she would look out of her window and view living things and believed it was all part of a master plan so she gave herself to religion and received instruction into Christianity, and was baptized.
Her father Dioscorus, infuriated by her conversion, tortured his daughter and eventually took her life by beheading. As punishment for her death, God struck Dioscorus with lightning leaving only his sword as a reminder of God’s vengeance.
Because of her connection with lightning, people often call upon St. Barbara for protection against thunder, lightning, and accidents involving explosions or gunpowder. This is why artillerymen have an annual event to celebrate and give their thanks to this patron saint.
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