First shot kicks off National Matches

PORT CLINTON — A loud bang rang out as a bullet fired out of a rifle and zipped down range at Camp Perry.U.S. Maj. General John C. Harris Jr. fired the ceremonial first shot Monday morning to officially kickoff to this year's National Matches. The matches, a five-week shooting competition, features national and international marksmen. The marksmen use both short- and long-range firearms to shoot targets at varying distances at the gun ranges at Camp Perry.The National Matches are organized by the National Rifle Association and the Civilian Marksmanship Program. "Program records show the number of competitors who normally attend the National Matches averages out to more than 6,500 each year," said Larry Fletcher, director of Lake Erie Shores and Islands, the region's tourism bureau. "Those folks, because of the long stretch of competition, make a significant economic impact."Fletcher said the National Matches help generate almost $20 million in revenue, from hotels, restaurants and other sources.Harris, along with numerous veterans, government officials and contest participants, attended Monday's first shot ceremony. During an opening speech, Harris shared inspiring stories about determined veterans and inspiring young competition shooters. "Its those traits that make competition shooters so great," Harris said. "The system— weapon plus shooter — is at the center of these matches. Technology may have changed, but the shooters are unchanged."Harris lauded Camp Perry's historic facility and the thousands of shooters who make the competition possible. The National Matches will include competitions now through July 29 at Camp Perry. Reach reporter Patrick Pfanner at pfanner@sanduskyregister.com, follow him on Twitter @PatPfanner and follow the Register at Facebook.com/SanduskyRegisterMajor General John C. Harris Jr. aims the M1 Gerand in preparation for the first shot ceremony for the Civilian Marksmanship Program national matches on Monday, June 26, 2017 at Camp Perry. The Liberty Aviation Museum's B-25 bomber "Georgie's Gal" flies over the CMP National Matches First Shoot ceremony at Camp Perry on Monday, June 26, 2017. Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur addresses the crowd gathered for the CMP National Matches First Shot ceremony on Monday, June 26, 2017 at Camp Perry. An empty shell flies out of the rifle as Major General John C. Harris Jr. fires the first shot for the Civilian Marksmanship Program National Matches at Camp Perry on Tuesday, June 26, 2017. Soldiers hold their rifles during the playing of the National Anthem during Monday's CMP National Matches First Shot ceremony at Camp Perry.