July 4 is much more than a day of parades and fireworks for the Parris family. It’s a day to continue a tradition started centuries ago with a musket that made the trip from England to the American Colonies.
The Kings Arm Musket has been fired on every Fourth of July since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Local heirs of the Parris family donated it to the Zadoc Long Free Library in Buckfield, on the condition that its tradition would continue to be carried out.
James Parris, originally from Chesney, South Caroline now resides in Bangkok, Thailand. He and his wife Tik planned a trip to the states with the specific purpose of taking part in this year’s Parris Kings Arm Musket rite.
Jim Lowell, commander of American Legion John D. Long Post 58, maintains the weapon and cleans it after its annual firing. The musket is displayed at the Zadoc Long Free Library.
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