Vintage Warplane Flyover Dazzles Crowd at 2016 Camp Perry First Shot Ceremony

by
posted on July 12, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
b-17-closeup-1.jpg
The Liberty Aviation Museum’s WWII Navy TBM Avenger and B-25 bomber, Georgie’s Gal, as well as the Yankee Air Museum’s Yankee Lady B-17 bomber soared above the crowd at Shooters’ Memorial Plaza at this year's First Shot Ceremony at Camp Perry, OH. As each plane flew over, they were saluted by a War of 1812 period cannon, a Civil War era cannon, a modern era 37mm anti-aircraft gun, and last but not least—Camp Perry’s own 70mm cannon. Each plane did a loop over Lake Erie before flying back through the smoke from the artillery. 

The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP), the National Rifle Association and the Adjutant General’s Department of Ohio were the hosts of this year's First Shot Ceremony, marking the official start of the 2016 National Matches.

Colors were presented by the 555th Honors Detachment of Wooster, OH. This year’s flag bearer was Lloyd Boyer, 90, who was an artilleryman in General George Patton’s Third Army in WWII, as well as a special guest at last year's First Shot ceremony.

The 122nd Army Band entertained the crowd with traditional military songs, including a salute to the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard.

The First Shot Speaker this year was CMP Board Member Oscar Mahlon Love. Among his many accomplishments, he is a retired executive vice president and director of the largest bank in New Mexico as well as a former Commissioner of the New Mexico State Police. Additionally, as a Civilian Aide Senior to the Secretary of the Army, Mr. Love has assisted on governmental and private boards, and he is also very involved with youth-oriented activities.

Mr. Love fired the first official shot of the National Matches at the conclusion of the ceremony.

Latest

Bagnolirangebag 1
Bagnolirangebag 1

What’s In Your Range Bag, Colton Bagnoli?

Colton Bagnoli: From SWAT Sniper to Precision Rifle Mentor

NRA National Precision Pistol Championships 2025 Begin At Cardinal Shooting Center In Ohio

The 2025 NRA National Precision Pistol Championships are underway at the Cardinal Shooting Center in Marengo, Ohio—marking a historic first for the venue.

New: Beretta 92X RDO Inox

Beretta’s new 92X RDO Inox fuses classic 90 Series reliability with stainless steel and red-dot optic compatibility.

Smith & Wesson Supercharges Pro Team, Signs Hunter Constantine & Nick ‘PewView’ Johnson

Smith & Wesson signs top shooters Hunter Constantine and Nick Johnson, expanding its pro team with both firepower and fan appeal.

Hillsdale College Halter Center Hosts 2025 WSPS Para Trap Grand Prix

Hillsdale College Halter Center hosted the 2025 WSPS Para Trap Grand Prix, where Sophia Bultema captured silver in a display of athletic skill.

Jerry McDonough Wins 2025 NRA National High Power Long-Range Championship

Jerry McDonough wins 2025 NRA Long-Range title with 1245-73X at Alliance Rifle Club in Ohio.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.