Appleseed Project Teaches Technique, Safety

April 19, 1775 is a memorable day in U.S. history. The Battles of Lexington and Concord are two historic events that helped set the colonists on the path to success. However, these two battles were also the inspiration for a program many enjoy today: Project Appleseed.

The crack of rifle fire, the smell of gun smoke and a heavy dose of early U.S. history are the main elements of Project Appleseed, which has taught thousands of American men, women and children how to shoot a target at nearly 500 yards with a rifle.

Project Appleseed is the brainchild of The Revolutionary War Veterans Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching Americans the heritage and history of our nation, as well as traditional rifle marksmanship skills.

“It’s a two day course and what we do is we teach a combination of techniques to help them acquire what we call ‘riflemen skills,’ which is being able shoot within four minutes of angle at any distance they’re capable of,” said Larry Cernik, state coordinator.

Organizers said mixing rifle techniques with historical events creates a program that compliments U.S. history and heritage.

“We hope that they take away a lot from the history,” said Cernik. “It might appear that we emphasize the shooting, which we do, but it’s far more important to us that the people know that this is part of our history and heritage that goes back to 1775 and it’s what separates a free people from ones that are not free.”

In a few short years, organizers say Project Appleseed has grown from a single event into a nationwide program that will see over 40,000 shooters, from children to adults, this year alone.

Project Appleseed will return to eastern Idaho later this month and will offer sessions in Blackfoot and Rexburg.

Visit www.appleseedusa.org or click here.