Our Patriot's Day Appleseed succeeded wildly with a full firing line of students, ranging in age from sub-16 to the other side of 60. The weather forecast called for 100% chance of rain with heavy thunderstorms and a few of the pre-registered shooters decided not to come out but they were the ones who missed out as we had not a drop of rain all day long on Saturday until a few minutes after the final range cleanup. The overcast kept the temperatures very reasonable and we had a great shoot. The day began with a bit of minor drama as the promised Porta-potty was nowhere to be seen. Oops! The nearest restroom was a very long way which would have required a drive so we were immensely pleased when we learned that there was a "spare" Porta-potty available. The only catch was that we would have to move it to our location--and it was at the back of the back 40. But with a surplus of Orange Hats and a pickup truck, you can do just about anything and before the need became "pressing", we had a little blue room on site. Huzzah!
After the usual introduction and safety briefing, we tested our accuracy on the Redcoat target and not unexpectedly, found that improvements were possible. While the results of the Redcoat were still being pondered, we heard how 800 British Regular soldiers and a small band of Patriots began their day 237 years ago, a day that changed history and a day that every American should remember. The building blocks of rifle accuracy were then presented: solid position with sling support, six steps to firing the shot, and natural point of aim. After several sighter groups we were starting to get dialed in and the concept of inches-minutes-clicks was brought forth. Rifleman's cadence was employed as the pace started quickening and then it was time for lunch. FLawyer took us from the massacre in Lexington to the Battle of Concord as the second strike of the match was struck. But just before FLawyer took the stage, we had a guest from the past: wearing a gentleman's suit of 18th Century clothing, Rifleman Rick presented the story in the first person of Dr. Samuel Prescott and the Wedding that Never Was. The afternoon passed quickly with the teaching of standing, sitting, kneeling positions and the pace moved even faster as transitions and magazine changes were brought in.
At four o'clock eastern daylight time and after FLawyer finished the tale of that fateful day when the shot was heard 'round the world, we fired the Volley for Liberty as the names of 13 patriots who gave their all were read and a rifle salute was given to each one. With the sound of "Amazing Grace" played on bagpipes in the background, a bell was rung for each name read and the command "aim, fire!" was given. *CLANG*--- ISAAC DAVIS, age 30---AIM, FIRE! I would like to think that the spirits of those long departed patriots were with us as this remembrance volley was done throughout the nation. By the end of the day, we had uncovered another Rifleman as Harry C. found his groove and knocked out a 211 on the AQT. And when everyone had left for the day--the rain started! During the night it came down in buckets with a pretty spectacular lightning show to boot.
Now on Sunday, there was only a 40% chance of rain but the rain we missed on Saturday found us on several occasions during the day. Mud and puddles were the order of the day with a chilly wind at times. We were able to get most everyone under the canopies though and we pressed on regardless. By lunchtime the skies had actually cleared up a bit and the breeze was drying out things nicely. At lunch we heard of several Dangerous Old Men and some very Brave Women and Children. Samuel Whittemore and Prudence Cummings Wright came dressed for the part wearing clothing appropriate for 1775. The afternoon AQT's came fast and furiously and by the close of the day, another Rifleman was revealed. Young CR shot a 212 to earn the coveted Rifleman patch. By the time CR is old enough to vote in a few years, he is going to be formidable with a rifle! And thus ends another fine Appleseed weekend. Thanks everyone for coming out. There will be photos coming soon.
What a great shoot.....great shooters, great scores, and the rain never came, so great weather, for us camping out, we had a great lightening storm with lots of wind and rain.....made a great night to sleep out in a tent.......to all the shooters who came out when the weather people predicted bad weather, thanks, we love the spirit you all showed and also for weathering the hard work on the second day. I had never seen the presentations that the Shoot Boss had added and really loved them......hoping to see you all again at another event....BrownBess
:'( I must have missed the bagpipes..........
Here are some photos taken by our master photographer FLawyer.
Thanks to everyone for making the weekend so much fun and worthwile. Shooting rifleman at the age 16 has been an experience to say the least ^:)^
Thanks again everyone
CR, [Cigar] we were just as excited as you, you worked for it by listening and putting to practice what you learned, now think about putting on an Orange hat.....you will be an asset to the Appleseed Program, now all the rest of you get to dry firing and toning up those muscles so you can get all your steady hold factors in place, work on your NPOA's too......Huzzah, from the mighty Huzzah Bug......
HUZZAH ^:)^ for ALL the shooters that came out to New Smyrna Beach! What a great bunch you are... From Joan(who never gave up), Katherine (who has a the heart of a lioness), Rex( who taught , as much as he learned), and Herb ( who had the biggest heart on the line) , Cindy (persistence should that girls middle name), TO Kristin and Gary (who truely loves LIberty and brought everyone they could with them ) I enjoyed meeting each and all of you.
YOU are to be commended for your patriotism !! remember to keep those 1 minute post cards flying! Our congress critters need to know what YOU think! Hope to see you on the line again ...
CONGRADULATIONS to CR and Harry!! I am so PROUD of you guys. way to go . hope to see you under an orange/red hat someday... Teresa
Granted, this reply is almost a month late, I would like to personally thank all of the students who came out. This event would have been nothing without you guys. Congratulations are in order for Harry and CR for joining us in the world of the patched. I want to also thank all of my fellow instructors for being a part of this shoot. Though, I do have one question to ask...What on earth happened to the video taken during the april 19th memorial redcoat?