Cherished Tradition: White House Celebrates National Shooting Sports Month

President Trump issued a presidential proclamation in celebration of National Shooting Sports Month Thursday, which kicks off today.

"During National Shooting Sports Month, we celebrate the cherished tradition of recreational and sport shooting activities. Shooting sports bring people together and instill comradery among a significant portion of its fellow enthusiasts. The vibrant shooting sport culture is made possible, in large part, by our steadfast protection of one of our bedrock and most-cherished liberties, the right to keep and bear arms," the proclamation states.

"Americans have a long history of participating in recreational and sport shooting activities. Early sharpshooters participated in matches to entertain family and friends and test their skills for a prize. During the turn of the 18th century, these competitions grew in popularity and legends like Buffalo Bill Cody and Annie Oakley began to enthrall audiences around the world," it continues. "Today, talented Americans rigorously train for worldwide competitions, including the Olympic and Paralympics Games. Whether amateur or professional, shooting sport athletes possess the traits that characterize the best of our Nation—they are disciplined, determined, passionate, and confident."

The National Shooting Sports Foundation, in partnership with a number of firearms companies, local sporting clubs and government agencies, is celebrating the kick off by encouraging shooters to bring newbies to the range.

"My granddaughter and I doing the +ONE thing! Her first shooting experience, and she had a ball!" - Steve Sanetti, National Shooting Sports Foundation | NSSF CEO #plusonemovement pic.twitter.com/6Ar5Zz7BPz
— Let’s Go Shooting (@LetsGoShootUSA) July 31, 2019

August is National Shooting Sports Month! SIG SAUER is celebrating the passion we all have for sport shooting and a pastime that provides enjoyment for all types of shooters. Head to the range and get involved today! #LetsGoShooting #ShootingSportsMonth #PlusOneMovement pic.twitter.com/TbDXpP372z
— SIG SAUER (@sigsauerinc) August 1, 2019

In celebration of National Shooting Sports Month Mossberg wants to help you get out and enjoy the FUN of the shooting sports by offering this great package full of range gear. Let's celebrate National Shooting Sports Month! #LetsGoShooting Enter here! https://t.co/JUlNNSgxcq pic.twitter.com/4SUHc5Pz14
— Mossberg (@MossbergCorp) August 1, 2019

The month of August is National #ShootingSportsMonth — a time for all Americans to celebrate the shooting sports with friends and family, and to safely introduce newcomers to the rewarding sport of target shooting. Get involved: https://t.co/S8WmYhjlPo #LetsGoShooting #RangeTime pic.twitter.com/zSzZaZOaJv
— N.C. Wildlife (@NCWildlife) August 1, 2019