Tv Land Awards 2005

YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS IT!

April 15-17, 2005

There is no better place and no better time to be an NRA member than the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits. This year's big gala in Houston,Texas, April 15-17, will be an especially momentous occasion as we come together to celebrate the historic and successful elections of 2004 and to look ahead to safeguarding our freedoms against future challenges. It will be a time for all NRA members to acclaim our achievements, an opportunity to build on our vision of an America where owning and using firearms are accorded all due respect.

Against the backdrop of a warm Texas welcome, NRA is planning its most extensive show ever. Every gun owner, indeed every American who shares our values and interests, will find an exhausting slate of events, by turns fascinating, fun, and inspirational, more to do than can possibly be crammed into a single weekend. In addition to all the favorite activities from recent years, we've come up with some great new ideas for the Houston Meetings. Not all details had been ironed out by the time this issue went to press, but here's enough to get you interested. For updates as they happen, go to www.nraam.org.

Friday, April 15-

Dedicated To Gun Owners

From around the nation, NRA members will converge on Houston's George R. Brown Convention Center to kick-off America's best gun show. Undoubtedly it is the most comprehensive exhibition dedicated to the interests of gun owners. Of course you'll find oodles of firearms, optics, ammunition, reloading supplies, shooting accessories, hunting gear and more.Also present are many serious shooters organizations, the outdoors media and a growing number of hunting outfitters from around the world. Firearm history is brought to life in the imaginative displays of dedicated collector groups.There are also many ways for members to obtain greater firsthand knowledge of their NRA-from political action to training to gun insurance to publications and more-through various booths and activities.

In 2004 nearly 400 exhibitors were on hand to share their stories with attendees, and we expect another great turnout this time. Realistically it takes the entire weekend to see and do it all, so plan to arrive early, Gun owners of all ages are sure to he awed by what they will see.

Even before the Exhibit Hall opens at 10 a.m, though, convention center activity starts heating up. Some heavy lifting is done early that morning with events geared to activist members who provide the muscle that is NRA's real strength. After continental breakfasts, NIlA-ILA Grassroots and NRA Clubs & Association workshops get going at 9 a.m. In the former, professional staff from the NRA Institute for Legislative Action present techniques and strategies for effective Second Amendment advocacy and winning elections.

Representatives from NRA state affiliates and local clubs will learn how to increase their influence and build a stronger base for the shooting sports in their locales. Serious matters will also be discussed during the 8th Annual Firearms Law Seminar at the Hilton Americas hotel.This course for practicing attorneys who represent gun owners, manufacturers and others, features a renowned faculty with expertise in several relevant areas. Continuing legal education credits are available, hut seats are limited. Interested parties should call ibr registration information, 800-672-3888 ext. 1269 or FAX 703-267-3985.

But don't get the idea that opening day of the show is all work. The ever-poinilar airgun range opens at 10 a.m., as hotshots of all ages vie for the 10-ring.Then at 1 p.m., the official Opening Ceremonies strike a high note, featuring remarks from NRA leaders and big-name musical entertainment.

Saturday, April 16-

Tradition And Inspiration

Saturday is always the pivotal day at the Annual Meetings because it marks another milestone in NRA's long, proud history. Much will be accomplished as the Association's leaders, staff and members come together for various key functions.

Leading off is the Sportsmen's Prayer Breakfast, a fairly recent addition to the program that is garnering a loyal following. Grounded in faith, this event reminds us that America's sportsmen and lawful gun owners are truly blessed, and the featured speaker is sure to inspire the audience.

Then tradition really kicks in with the Annual Meeting of Members, called to order at 10 a.m.This is NRA's official business meeting, during which officers deliver formal reports, Board of Directors election results are announced, and the floor is open to members as business is transacted. As has been the case for many years, this Meeting gives members the chance to get involved and help chart the course of the Association's future.

An even older rite takes the spotlight that evening in the form of the 134th Members Banquet. Historically this has been the biggest stage of all for political leaders who stand with us, and keynote speakers typically are critical allies in our fight for firearms freedom. Certainly that was the case last year when Vice President Dick Cheney vowed that the Bush/Cheney ticket would win reelection. Extraordinary pageantry and starstudded entertainment in recent years have also helped make the NRA's big night even bigger, and for thousands the Banquet has become a can't-miss priority.

Sunday, April 17-

In-Depth Knowledge

A hallmark of the Annual Meetings experience has been the Special Sessions, during which expert panelists present detailed discussions on varied topics of interest. Members are invited, free of charge, to hear directly from foremost authorities in personal protection, public affairs, gun collecting, hunting and other subjects.The atmosphere is relaxed but informative, and speakers gladly field questions from the audience.

While most of the sessions typically take place on Sunday, it is noteworthy that in Houston the women of the NRA will take the lead with the Saturday afternoon roundtable, "Women, Personal Protection & Power Politics." NRA First Vice President Sandra S. Froman will be joined by Texas legislator Suzanna Gratia Hupp and Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson to probe issues related to Right-to-Carry and personal protection. Thunder Ranch's Heidi Smith will provide practical concealed-carry instruction. Sue King, NRA director and Chair of NRA's Women's Policies Committee, will moderate the session.

An ambitious lineup slated for Sunday includes the following:

* "NRA and the Media"-Moderated by Director Susan Howard, a panel of writers and media experts provide insider views on how journalists look at gun ownership and how NRA members can work more effectively with them.

* "U.S. Military Arms In World War II"-American Rifleman Field Editor Bruce Canfield leads a discussion on the small arms that sustained our troops in battle and made victory possible. Big-screen visuals of classic M-Is, Thompsons, M191 Is, and many more.

* The 45th Annual National Gun Collectors Awards, moderated by Col. Wayne Anthony Ross, Chairman, NRA Gun Collectors Committee, is the most prestigious recognition in the world of gun collecting. see who wins the grand Gun Collectors Trophy bowl and numerous other honors.

* "Should You Hunt Africa?"-Craig Boddington, the foremost hunting author working today, returns with a stellar supporting cast to make an honest appraisal of the dream that has captivated American sportsmen for generations.

* "Methods Of Concealed Carry"Tom Marx, a former police officer and current employee of Blackhawk Industries, is the presenter of a hands-on demonstration.

* "Hunt Texas"-The Lone Star State's best-known hunter, author/TV host Larry "Mr. Whitetall" Weishuhn, rounds up a posse of veteran outdoorsmen to assess the abundant opportunities that make Texas hunting great.

Copyright National Rifle Association of America Jan 2005
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved

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