Sunday, April 20, 2008

1st Annual Patriots' Day Walk



      The 1st Annual Patriots' Day Walk was held on April 19th , 2008 in Urbana , ohio.  This event was a celebration of freedom to commemorate the 233rd anniversary of "the shot heard round the world". On April 18th , 1775 Governor Gage ordered the redcoats to march into towns and seize and destroy all munnitions. On April 19th , 1775 the first shots were fired that would be the beginning of our countries fight for Independence and would insure  our rights to bear arms. 
    This local event was organized to exercise our rights and to bring awareness to the community of the legality of "open carry". The walk was held in downtown Urbana and the event participants walked about 3 miles of the downtown area. There were many people driving by and staring and a few people even pulled over and asked about the event. A number of informational flyers were handed out to all who asked about the event. All in all it was a very positive experience. The weather couldn't have cooperated any better and law enforcement was friendly and smiled when driving by. One well wisher came by at the gathering point to wish us well but was unable to attend.


As we headed toward the square at the center of town we came upon an elderly gentleman who was there in support but was unable to walk with us. He stood at that corner the entire time the group walked. He even handed out flyers to people who approached him with questions about the event. This gentleman was a Korean War Vet and we were deeply touched that he came and supported us the best way he could.


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We made a stop at The Depot , a local coffee shop for a restroom break and to fuel up on water and coffee. The workers were very friendly and welcoming. A few customers seemed a bit startled but there was no major commotion. One woman entered The Depot while everyone was inside and said out loud " Oh no , I think I'll leave" and quickly exited the parking lot. No other negative comments were made.



After gathering for a group picture in front (several members had joined in after the walk began) we headed back up Miami Street. As we rounded the corner and headed up North main St. a truck pulled over and asked what we were doing. it was explained what the event was about and the feedback was very positive.
We ended the walk with a stop at The Family Table before parting ways. The waitress who greeted us as we entered was very friendly and was eager to hear all about the event. While we were there one gentleman approached us and said he was interested in the march but was a little unsure so he watched us. He sat with us and discussed his confussion on some of the laws. After a lengthy discussion he assured us he would join us during next year's event. Also , during our meal we noticed one guy leave the establishment and return with a pistol strapped on in support. Pretty cool.
We would like to thank Tom Horch and Mike Craft for helping organize this year's event. There were participants from several areas of Ohio. We would like to acknowledge all participants for making this event a success. From the Springfield area we had Rob and his two sons , Randy , Amber and Daniel. From Cincinnati we had Jeff ; Englewood we had Kent ; Allen and Alana came from Oxford and Paul from Columbus. Tom Horch brought along his daughter Christy and his wife Aileen who videotaped and photographed the event. I am sorry I didn't catch the old timers name on the corner but a special thanks to him. 
We would also like to thank the city of Urbana , the Urbana Police Department , the dispatcher who surely had to field a few calls from startled passers-by , The Depot and the Family Table for welcoming us warmly and those who stopped to share their support.



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After the walk everyone was invited back to the Craft Shooting range for some target practice and Mike's world famous buffalo burgers and brats. Several people who were unable to make the walk due to work schedules were able to join us later in the afternoon. The weather cooperated for us long enough to get some shooting in before the skies broke open. Besides handguns everyone was able to shoot several different types of rifles and , to add a cherry on top of a perfect day , the 50 cal. You just can't shoot that baby without coming up smiling.




Here we see Tom Horch teaching his daughter Christy how to shoot her handgun.


Allen and Randy test their skills on the rifles.


Kent , our Vietnam Vet , proves you never get too rusty.




Here's Jeff on the Range. He traveled the furthest to get to our event.



Allen keeps a watchful eye on Alana.


Paul and Tom taking their turn at the 50 cal.:





You better believe that the 50 cal can do some serious damage to a backdrop. Time to stack up some new railroad ties gentleman.




It was a long day but for this little trooper it was just way too long. This picture was taken while the 50 cal was being shot less than 60 yards away. He never moved.





So glad to see everyone make it out there. We met some fantastic new friends. Mark your calender folks , next year will be bigger and better.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

A very good run down of the event! I am just curious about what everyone was carrying? Caliber, Make, Model, Etc...

Thanks again for being vocal and putting some action behind those ever so powerful words, "...keep and bear arms..."

Anonymous said...

I will allow Tom or Mike to answer that question for you. I do know there was a wide variety but the most impressive one was a 50cal handgun. Yes , a 50 cal. It reminds you of the line from Crocodile Dundy..."That's not a knife , THIS is a knife!"

Unknown said...

I was carrying a .45 ACP Bersa. My daughter Christy carried a Kel-Tec P32 .32 auto. There was also a .40 S&W Glock, 9mm S&W, .38 revolver, and one guy actually carried a .500 S&W revolver with a shoulder harness holster. The rest I'm not sure of.

Anonymous said...

I was carrying a Taurus PT111 9mm.

A great time, great summary, great pics! Thanks Tom & Mike.

Anonymous said...

"Oh no, I think I'll leave..."

LOL.

Little did she know that she was probably in the safest area in the tri-state at that moment.

Great job to all!!

Anonymous said...

What an event! Didn't hear a thing about this until now. To my knowledge nothng mentioned in the Springfield paper either. Sure would like to be part of this event next year.

Jim Stouffer
NRA Training Counselor
NRA Pistol Instructor

Anonymous said...

Well , the boys decided to do this 3 weeks before the event was to take place so the 1st year was pretty low key. Next year we'll have plenty of planning time. We'll contact some other local papers , maybe KISS FM and possible WDTN. We're hoping to hand out information on gun rights during local events such as 1st Friday to get our presents known and get a mail and calling list started for next year's event.
The boys have also talked about doing a similar event in Springfield sometime in the near future.
If you are interested in helping and/or participating in future events would you please email us your phone number so that Tom or Mike can get in touch with you?
Our email address is : Patriotsdaywalk@yahoo.com