June 6, 1944. June 6, 1775. June 6, 2026. Three dates in history that shall never be forgotten. What is the connection spanning 250+ years? Is it just a coincidence? The liberation of the European continent in June 1944 by determined allied forces overcoming axis defensive positions on the Normandy Coast of France. The exodus of British Redcoat troops evacuating New York City in June 1775 by ship when they realized that the important port could not be successfully defended after events rapidly increased tensions as a result of events at Lexington, Concord, and Merriam's Corner. Nor could the Redcoat Garrison leave the port if NYC with their military firearms when 6 unarmed citizens boldly seized the cased weapons in transport wagons without firing a shot. June 6, 2026 celebrated these historically important dates by patriots attending a 25 meter rifle marksmanship event at the United Sportsman's Inc rifle range in Concord, California. HUZZAH!
The proud American tradition of father's and sons spending their time together on a weekend away from work honing marksmanship skills and with fellow attendees was both strengthened and celebrated. Karl, a patriot and proud father of the first order who has spent his weekends earning his Project Appleseed Rifleman and Pistoleer™, Distinguished Rifle Shooter, Rimfire KD qualification took another major step by taking his Orange Hat as an IIT on his continued journey to support our nation's heritage of expert marksmanship in addition to taking on learning how to become an expert instructor. His son Dillon, who had just earned his Rimfire KD Rifleman patch the weekend before in Sacramento brought his willingness to learn more and quite importantly Priscilla and close friend Gavin. Priscilla, had never fired her Ruger 10/22 22lr previously, and managed by the second "sheet of squares" to put 5 rounds into the 1 inch black bullseye with ease and a level of confidence that can only be described as "amazing and incredible" by the Instructor Staff. Dillon, did not disappoint himself as he went on to be the first attendee to shoot a Rifleman score on Saturday and inspire others who came extremely close. Annette, Chris, Jasper, and Gavin never gave up and persisted in their quest to improve their skills. Jasper wowed everyone with his high-power bolt-action WW2 Arisaka rifle limited only by the fact he ran out of ammo. Annette finished on Sunday by being the sole shooter hitting the shingle/plank. Well done Jasper and Annette! HUZZAH!
A big "Shout Out" of THANKS to Dan, Bill, and Karl for supporting the event with their professionalism and positive instructional energy. Karl it should be noted has earned so many Project Appleseed patches that his new and rather stylish shooting vest garnered a lot of attention and interest from attendees on how he had earned each one. HUZZAH!
The dates of June 6-7 in the year 1775, 1944, and 2026 ended on the highest note with citizens of this great nation celebrating the harvest of hard work, dedication, and persistence in achieving objectives worth earning for themselves and those around them as well. Huzzah, Huzzah, HUZZAH!!!