Pt Townsend WA - AAR - April 19-20 2025

[Iborche]

As I sit here watching yet another ferry leave while I wait to get back across the water to Seattle I have so much to reflect on with happiness from this event.

First, this was the first time in six years we've had two simultaneous Appleseed events in Washington, and the fact both were sold out was the cherry on top! This would not be possible without the incredible groups of shooters we see event after event that keep us focused and coming back for more. 

Second, fourteen shooters came out to the beautiful Jefferson County Sportsmen's Association on April 19th and 20th 2025, celebrating the exact 250 year anniversary of the day a bunch of colonial shopkeepers and farmers stood up and said "no more!". Most were returning from previous events, some as recent as last month, others from many years ago specifically because of the anniversary celebration. Some came out completely unaware of the significance of their first event. That soon changed as our IITs, all presenting a strike of the match for the first time, brought the story of April 19th 1775 to life. Flintlock demonstrations, readings of the Bloody Butchery broadsheet, reliving the sermon by Rev. Clark from April 19 1776, a powerful memorial volley, dangerous old men, and a whole bunch more!

I wanted to keep talking about our history and I'm sure the other instructors would have let me, but we had to get shooting at some point! Shooters quickly got back into their rhythms and our new friends picked up the instruction rapidly. Drew absolutely smoked the first AQT of the weekend with a near-distinguished 234. Will proved he still knew very well what he was about and requalified with a 210. Matt H soon followed with a 235. Steven requalified multiple times at his second event, this time using a centerfire rifle! Shawn, at his first event and soaking wet after a sudden and heavy rain shower made it happen with a 223. Matt M, also soaking wet and not wanting to be outdone shot a 224. IIT PNWCarrier proved he's not all talk and re-qualified with a 221.

The completely new Parker's Revenge target was a huge hit among the shooters. We split up into four teams, Davis's Dandelion Pickers scored 16 points, Rimfire Job 42 points, and Muzzy's Justice and The JeffCoSportsmanMilitia tied up with 45 points each! The communication and teamwork all teams showed was incredible to watch from my perspective and the shooters had overwhelmingly positive feedback afterward. Their only complaint was we weren't sent enough targets to run it again!

Shooters, as you go about your lives remember the tree of liberty relies on you for nourishment to grow. It is on all of us to carry on the legacy that was won for us with the blood of those who answered the call. Recall the challenge laid on us by Dr Benjamin Franklin: "A republic, if you can keep it".