It sounded like the state Capitol was under attack this Fourth of July.
Saturated with the smell of sulfur, the air in front of the building resembled something from the Revolutionary War — smoky and hot from a cannon fire. It wasn’t an attack, however. It was an artillery celebration of Independence Day.
A crowd of about 100 gathered Monday afternoon and plugged their ears for the Colorado National Guard’s 14th Salute to the Union ceremony, a practice done throughout the country to celebrate the holiday, said Sgt. Jay Johnson, an event organizer.
Members of the National Guard shot the 75 mm cannon 50 times, with the presentation of a flag from each state. Later, the cannon was fired again in 13 quick rounds, to represent the 13 original colonies, Johnson said.
Denver Post staff reports
