Framing the ideals to "Preserve American Freedoms": The Princeton Battlefield Society aptly published in their online newsletter that for the month of October 1775, "It was seen that the Revolutionary War deepened in both resolve and peril. The colonies faced betrayal, brutal British attacks, and the hardships of campaign life, while the Crown declared open rebellion. Each day's events brought the dream of independence closer to reality."
(Source https://pbs1777.org/october-in-history/)
In more recent times, the deepening of resolve when faced with the peril of losing critical rifle marksmanship skills and this nation's precious connection to the heritage and history that matters to all Americans today earned by this nation's citizens 251 years ago during Revolutionary War events of April 19, 1775 was clearly demonstrated at Concord, California on the weekend of October 24-25, 2026 by a proud group of Project Appleseed participants.
1) Resolve and Determination: One example was the father and son pairing of Brian and his son Thomas. Today many young Americans of Thomas' age spent their weekends enjoying the benefits paid for by other young Americans some 251 years ago at Lexington Green, Concord's Old North Bridge, and Merriam's Corner. Both worked hard with Brian's son crossing the challenging 210 Rifleman Threshold. They both distinguished themselves and worked hard all weekend taking careful notes of what to do. It must be called out, that Thomas shot his Rifleman score with a BROKEN SCOPE RETICLE. Yet he was resolved and determined to do his best regardless of this equipment failure. What an inspiration this young American serves and supports Project Appleseed's "CAN DO" attitude with what you brought. Huzzah!
2) Overcoming Hardships of the Campaign: Another example of this attribute was by Kevin L. and Carla H. For those who have not met her, Carla is petite in stature but a giant in sheer willpower. She did her best with both a high-power centrefire cartridge and a 22lr rifle coming very close to achieving her Rifleman patch despite not having practiced much if at all. Kevin L. dug deep and demonstrated how to work the bolt like "lightning" on his 223 caliber rifle and keeping his Steady Hold Factors top of mind and form. Mike M also demonstrated overcoming the hardship of life and work demands by coming out to the line and shooting a Rifleman's score as he has done numerous times in the past. Needless to say, he is an INSPIRING PATRIOT that will not let work diminish his marksmanship skills perish in the world of today. His wife Lisa M also chose to use her weekend to display her iron sight skills shooting a fantastic series of scores over 200 multiple times on Sunday's AQTs despite demanding weekday work pressures. Huzzah! Huzzah!!
3) The Dream of Independence: A final example of realizing the "Dream of Independence" and all the benefits was seen with the presence of Aashay, Armen, Payam, and Ali. Their lives may have initially started on distant shores, and yet they treasured learning of the events of 1775, practicing their marksmanship skills, and now own part of the American Heritage that forms the foundation of this nation's independence. As you all know America recently celebrated Independence Day on July 4th, but their presence on the line at Concord, California is a reaffirmation of the spirit that Americans hold dear. Huzzah! Huzzah!! Huzzah!!!
Our nation's citizens on 19 April 1775 spent the 24 hours of that day repelling the efforts of a 700 man Raid on the Barrett Farm in Concord from Boston, displaying resolve to demonstrate American self-determinism at Lexington Green, and finally crossing the "bridge of no return" by firing on retreating Redcoat troops at the Merriam's Corner bridge.
If asked by their friends, family, and relatives how the 48 hours of Saturday and Sunday October 24-25, 2026 spent their time.... when Americans from far and wide gathered at Concord, California ....I am sure that they will have replied in so many words...."Quite wisely actually" and vow to both return in the near future and share stories of their new 7th Stepping activities in support of liberty.