A little more than a decade ago, an event like this would have been unimaginable.
But thanks to the hard work, dedication and generous commitment of NRA-ILA patriots like you, our annual Leadership Forum is now one of the most politically significant and popular events in the country.
Thanks to you, our Leadership Forum is now a critical stop for any serious candidate for the highest levels of elected office.
Thanks to you, more than 600 media outlets came to Nashville and covered our Forum from start to finish.
Most important, thanks to you, we showed politicians across America that they have only two choices. They can either stand strong with you, me and NRA-ILA in defense of our Second Amendment-protected freedom, or they can start looking for another job at election time.
So, again, thank you for making this year’s Leadership Forum a success beyond all measure. And thank you for all you do to help NRA-ILA defend freedom.
Striking A Popular Chord In Nashville
The music went beyond the streets in Nashville, Tenn., in April as thousands of National Rifle Association members inside Music City Center were following the drumbeat of a cherished American freedom.
The message was simple: Responsible gun owners don’t want more government limitations on our right to bear arms, and we need pro-gun political leadership.
“When it comes to those elitists looking down their noses and telling us how to live, it’s time they got the message loud and clear,” outgoing NRA President James W. Porter II told a packed house at the Members Meeting. “You elitists live however you want. But when it comes to us, get your hands off our freedom and leave us the hell alone.”
The 2015 Annual Meetings & Exhibits sponsored by MidwayUSA came as the 2016 political field was starting to take shape. In light of the importance of preserving our Second Amendment-protected rights, 78,865 NRA members attended.
Rightly so, the future direction of this country’s national politics was a dominant force, and the NRA Institute for Legislative Action Leadership Forum featured speeches by some of the top contenders for the Republican nomination.
But it was more than that.
It was a chance to see the latest offerings from more than 550 companies at the exhibit hall.
It was a chance for family fun at the Pyramyd Air indoor air gun range and Youth Day events.
It was a chance to attend a slew of Cabela’s-sponsored seminars, ranging from how to prepare wild game to firearms in the Falkland Islands War and more.
It was a chance for music, with Country Jam V (sponsored by Bushnell and Folds of Honor), the 33 country music acts on the NRA Country soundstage during the Freedom Festival (presented by Beretta), and the “Keepin’ It Country” tour with Alan Jackson and Jeff Foxworthy.
And it was a chance to enjoy spending time with like-minded patriots, at the Prayer Breakfast (sponsored by Trijicon and Universal Coin & Bullion); the Freedom Festival’s two pavilions of exhibits and huge outdoor cafe; the Members Meeting; or other events.
