History Comes Alive During 2013 National Matches at Camp Perry

CAMP PERRY, Ohio – History is the theme at this year’s National Trophy Pistol and Rifle Matches at Camp Perry, July 8-August 14. With men in uniforms, demonstrations and plenty of sizzle in the July sun, the start of the matches are sure to bring the sort of flare the swarm of crowds expect at the “World Series of Shooting Sports.” The fanfare kicks off with the First Shot Ceremony at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 8, 2013.

This year’s First Shot speaker will be LTG John S. Crosby, U.S. Army (ret.) and former member of the CMP Board of Directors. While in the Army, he served as the Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Training Doctrine Command, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff and Commandant for the U.S. Army Field Artillery Center and School. LTG Crosby received such awards as the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star.

LTG Crosby will fire the ceremonial shot with a presentation grade M1 Carbine rifle, which will be awarded to him as a gift of appreciation from CMP. Spectators will then be able to salute the American flag as it is raised above Shooters Memorial Plaza, where it’ll remain for the duration of the Matches. The flag will be presented by Master of Ceremonies for the 2013 Matches, Judith Legerski, CMP Chairman and CEO, after it is delivered by re-enactors riding in vehicles from the WWII and Vietnam War eras. Such vehicles include a WWII vintage Jeep, Vietnam-era Jeep, and a M37, ¾-ton truck and a 2 ½-ton truck.

The vintage motorcade will arise from behind the Petrarca Range range berm and head south towards the parade ground, with the adorned re-enactors on board. All vintage military vehicles will remain on the grounds after the ceremony for spectators to observe and photograph. Vehicles will be provided by Firelands Military Vehicle Group, headed by Capt. Patrick Thompson, U.S. Navy (ret.). Re-enactors will be on hand from the WWII Historical Re-enactment Society, led by Kevin Winters.

For the crowd’s listening enjoyment, the Ohio National Guard’s 122nd Army Band will be on hand to play before, during and after the ceremony
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As an added bonus to thrill match-goers, a fully restored B-25J Mitchell bomber will buzz overhead as it makes four passes above the parade grounds. The plane, “Georgie’s Gal,” will be on loan from the Liberty Aviation Museum in Port Clinton, Ohio.

The conclusion of the ceremony will feature the firing of a replica 1812 naval cannon by cannon master Robert Gillmor from Gillmor Ordnance Ltd., Old Fort, OH, to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the 1813 Battle of Lake Erie. Gillmor will dress in a commodore’s uniform from the War of 1812 to add some style to the re-enactment. A benediction will be recited, followed by dismissal to conclude the presentation.

The First Shot Ceremony is coordinated by the CMP, with cooperation from the Ohio National Guard.

Following the First Shot, “Media Day at the Range” will gather members of the local media for a light lunch and tour of Camp Perry. The outing will include a visit to the historic Camp Perry ranges, the NRA Store, a close look at the Pistol Small Arms Firing School and an opportunity to shoot at the CMP Marksmanship Center air gun facility.

All guests, media and spectators alike, are encouraged to visit our 80-point indoor air gun range at the CMP Marksmanship Center to shoot on the same firing points that once housed past Olympic athletes. Air guns are available for rent at the range for a fee of only $5.

Commercial Row offers a variety of items for both spectators and shooters, with a multitude of manufacturers selling used firearms, ammunition, competition gear, accessories, apparel and much more. The CMP Store allows even more buying opportunities at the Matches with our collection of military surplus rifles. Touch, feel and hand-pick a personal piece of history.

More information on the National Trophy Pistol and Rifle Match registration and a complete list of events can be found by logging on to http://www.thecmp.org/NM.htm. We hope to see you there!

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