Good For NRA ... Good For a Free America: A Letter From President Truman to NRA

by
posted on May 8, 2017
truman_lede.jpg

This letter from President Harry S. Truman was presented to NRA Secretary-Treasurer in 1945 upon the conclusion of World War II. In it, Truman credits the NRA for doing much to encourage the improvement of small arms marksmanship in both the armed services and civilian population. Read the full letter, which was originally published in the December 1945 issue of The American Rifleman:

                                                                     


The White House
Washington
November 14, 1945

Dear Mr. Lister:

The tradition of a citizenry soldiery is firmly, and properly, imbedded in our national ideals. Initiative, discipline, and skill in the use of small arms are essentials for the development of the finished citizen soldier. 

The National Rifle Association, in the periods between our last four wars, has done much to encourage the improvement of small arms and of small-arms marksmanship in the regular services, as well as in the National Guard, reserve units, and the civilian population.

During the war just ended, the contribution of the National Rifle Association in the matter of small-arms training aids, the nation-wide pre-induction training program, the recruiting of experienced small-arms instructors for all branches of the armed services and technical advice and assistance to Government civilian agencies aiding in the prosecution of the war—all contributed freely and without expense to the Government—have materially aided our war effort.

I hope the splendid program which the national Rifle Association has followed during the past three-quarters of a century will be continued. It is a program that is good for a free America.

Sincerely,

Harry S. Truman

 

Latest

Taurus Deputy Left Main Web
Taurus Deputy Left Main Web

Review: Taurus Deputy

Though the Single Action Army design is more than 150 years old, companies like Taurus are still offering affordable clones of the classic single-action revolver. The Deputy is just the latest in the lineup.

Academy Recalls Redfield 12- and 18-Gun Safes

Academy Sports + Outdoors has announced the recall of the Redfield 12-gun and Redfield 18-gun fireproof gun safes that were sold at its stores from February 2024 through August 2024, inclusive.

I Have This Old Gun: German Commission Revolver

The German Commission Revolver, also known as the Reichsrevolver, was the official issue sidearm of the German Empire from the 1870s until the dawn of the 20th century.

Henry Lever Action Supreme Rifle (LASR) Now Available

Though slated to be on the market in 2024, the Henry Lever Action Supreme Rifle is finally making its way to dealers’ racks in January of 2025.

Federal's 7 mm Backcountry: The Next Step In Ammo Evolution?

At the heart of Federal Ammunition's new 7 mm Backcountry cartridge is an all-new Peak Alloy case design that promises to revolutionize the centerfire rifle industry.

Review: Century Arms Canik SFx Rival-S

Manufactured by Samsun Domestic Defense and Industry Corp. of Turkey, with Century Arms acting as the company’s primary importer and distributor, Canik’s polymer-frame 9 mm Luger-chambered semi-automatic pistols have enjoyed steady sales in the United States over the past few years.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.