Shiloh Sharps Salute

To Our Military Men and Women - by Lucinda Klostermeier

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In the beginning of a change, the patriot is a scarce man, brave, hated, and scorned. When his cause succeeds however, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot. — Mark Twain

The definition of patriotism is: “ Love and loyal or zealous support of one’s country.” Patriotism among our family, friends and employees, runs very deep in our hearts and leads me into this year’s story. Americans have taken for granted the freedoms that we enjoy every day. If it were not for our military men and women and the wars that have been fought, we would not be enjoying the amenities that were provided to this Country by the loss of so many lives fighting wars, protecting our “ America” from harm’s way. Unfortunately, so many people claim to be patriotic, but when it comes down to protecting our freedoms at any cost, they are nowhere to be found. Our children are losing the stories of our war heroes and the wars that have been fought. We are becoming the minority in our own country. Americans are encouraged not to say the word “ God” because a portion of our society is offended, and the “ Pledge of Allegiance” is disappearing in our schools, again, because our society is offended. A portion of our society has become weak and dependent on others to fight their battles. Have we forgotten on what this country was founded? Our constitution was put into place by our forefathers and needs to be respected and lived by and not changed by the weak. “ If we ever forget that we’re one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under” - Ronald Reagan.

“ A man’s country is not a certain area of land, of mountains, rivers, and woods, but it is a principle; and patriotism is loyalty to that principle.”
– George William Curtis

This generation is quick to forget, and they are trying to erase history by removing it from our kid’s text books! If it’s not in our school books, then it didn’t happen. We all stood together on 9-11 and the patriotism and camaraderie that flowed after such a tragedy was amazing, but the day was quickly forgotten. Only for a moment, do we still remember the dates and what happened, and then we go onto our daily routines until the date comes next year. Whether you agree or disagree with what is happening in the world, our troops still need to know that they are not forgotten and that they have our support in America! Rather than protesting against them, put a flag up, and let them know how much you appreciate what they are doing for you.

The Shiloh Rifle family has not forgotten. Starting November of this year we are proud to introduce the “ Salute Our Military” rifle drawing, our way of letting them know that their sacrifices will not be forgotten. We have created a one of a kind, special recognition, 1874 Sharps rifle. The engraving on this rifle has been donated by Suzi Bradley and the sights by J.C. Gier of Montana Vintage Arms. It will be a drawing that ONLY our Active duty Military Men and Women can enter! The drawing will take place annually on 9-11 to mark it as a day of remembrance. (See Rules & Requirements on facing page.) Shiloh Rifle thanks each and every one of our Military Men and Women for your service. A moment of silence is given to the families who have lost a loved one during their military service and to let you know that we remember and appreciate all that they have done to help protect our America and our Freedoms that we all treasure.

The following are family and employees who proudly served or are currently serving.

Our kids Levi Bryan and Lisette Klostermeier enlisted in the United States Navy in June of 2007 under the delayed entry program. They will leave for boot camp the summer of 2008 where they will serve 5 years active duty. We are very proud.