PRESIDENT'S COLUMN
By Ronald L. Schmeits, President

Plan Now to Attend the Year's Biggest Celebration of American Freedom!

As president of this Association, I'd like to personally invite you to attend the greatest gathering in freedom's name of the entire year, in the entire country.

As one who shares your commitment to the Second Amendment, I'm calling on you to join me and tens of thousands of like-minded citizens to celebrate and safeguard firearm freedom as the birthright of all free Americans—now and in the future.

Just about 10 weeks from when this magazine arrives in your mailbox, the 139th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits will convene in Charlotte, North Carolina.

I want to see you there. The enemies of our firearm freedoms need to see you there as well.

Today, as terrorist fanatics, foreign governments and U.S. politicians seek to redefine, reduce or destroy the freedoms we hold dear as Americans, we who cherish those freedoms have a duty to stand and defend them from harm.

I can't think of any more vocal, visible or fun way to demonstrate that unity and resolve than by attending the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits May 13-16.

When you consider all there is for your entire family to do and enjoy, I think you'll agree.

In the huge exhibit hall, you can see and handle all the latest and greatest guns, shooting accessories, reloading components, hunting gear, clothing, electronics and outdoor equipment from hundreds of manufacturers whose representatives will be there to answer all of your questions.

Hunting guides from across the U.S. and around the world will be there to discuss and help you plan, price and schedule your next hunt.

Chances are, your kids have learned the Eddie Eagle Gunsafe Program in school, so they'll be thrilled to meet the Eddie Eagle mascot there in person.

Better yet, take them to the on-site air gun range for some safe, supervised shooting fun or competition.

As an NRA member, you'll have free admission to the exhibit hall. But that's just the beginning of the fun, entertaining and educational events planned for the weekend.

Friday at noon, we'll present the NRA Celebration of American Values Leadership Forum, where you'll hear powerful, provocative and patriotic speeches from some of America's top political leaders, opinion makers and inspirational speakers.

Saturday morning, you'll want to attend the Annual Meeting of Members to participate in the official business of our Association. There, you'll hear official reports from NRA officers detailing the threats our freedoms face and our strategy to meet those challenges head on.

Saturday evening, don't miss the premier social event of the weekend—the Celebration of American Values Freedom Experience—featuring a nationally known patriotic keynote speaker. Seating is limited, so be sure to reserve your tickets early.

Throughout the weekend, you can attend special receptions and seminars on a variety of topics, from the NRA-ILA Grassroots Workshop and Clubs and Associations Workshop, to the Annual Firearms Law Seminar and more.

In addition, you'll have opportunities to sit down, break bread and make new friends at events ranging from the National NRA Foundation Banquet Thursday evening and the Sportsmen's Brunch and Auction Friday morning to the 2010 Prayer Breakfast Sunday morning.

All weekend www.NRANews.com will be in Charlotte, broadcasting live from the exhibit hall and from key events. So be sure to stop by and say hello to hosts Cam Edwards and Ginny Simone. Or, if you can't make it to Charlotte, catch all the fun at www.NRANews.com or Sirius Satellite Radio Patriot Channel 144.

For many Americans, Independence Day is the year's biggest celebration of American freedom. But, for me, the NRA Annual Meetings give meaning, relevance and value to our most fundamental freedom like no other event of the year.

After all, firearm freedom sparked the American Revolution. It won America's independence. It protects our families and helps us feed our families. And it keeps us free today.

As former NRA President Charlton Heston said, the Second Amendment is our first freedom, the one right that allows all other rights to exist at all.

To honor, protect and perpetuate that precious freedom, please join me and the rest of the NRA family in Charlotte May 13-16 for the 139th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits. Between now and then, please visit www.nraam.org for all the details on the weekend's events.

See you there!