First Shot Ceremony

Join us as we kick off the 2025 National Matches at the Historic Camp Perry Training Site in Port Clinton, Ohio

FIRST SHOT CEREMONY

Monday, July 14, at 4:30PM

Activities begin at 4:00PM

Mark your calendars! The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) is thrilled to announce Olympic Silver Medalist Staff Sergeant Sagen Maddalena of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit as the 2025 National Matches First Shot Speaker.

Each year, the National Matches officially begin with the First Shot Ceremony, where the guest speaker fires a ceremonial opening shot from the 600-yard line on Rodriguez Range following their remarks. Distinguished guests from the CMP, National Guard, all branches of the armed forces, and government representatives will be in attendance. The public is encouraged to attend and can view the ceremony from available bleacher seating. The event features a festive atmosphere, complete with a color guard, military band, vintage vehicles provided by the Timeless Ts Model T Club, and historic aircraft from Port Clinton’s Liberty Aviation Museum—creating an exciting and memorable start to the Matches.

READ MORE ABOUT SSGT MADDALENA

Photo Credits: Alaska Nanooks, CMP Archives, Stars & Stripes and Army Women's Foundation

The Pistol Small Arms Firing School/M9 EIC Match and Military & Police Pistol Match & 1911 As-Issued Pistol Match will take place prior to the Ceremony. The full National Match schedule is as follows:

· Smallbore 3P & Prone July 9-19

· Air Rifle & Air Pistol July 10-17

· Pistol Matches July 13-19

· First Shot Ceremony July 14

· Rimfire Sporter July 20

· Rifle Matches July 22- August 1

· Vintage Rifle Matches July 30 -August 3

· Mid & Long Range Matches August 4-9

All events are open to the public and spectators are welcome! For detailed information on the CMP’s National Matches at Camp Perry, visit https://thecmp.org/cmp-national-matches/ or call (419) 635-2141.

Experience the Legacy:

The National Matches at Camp Perry

Founded in 1903 by U.S. Congress and President Theodore Roosevelt, the National Matches were created to strengthen national defense through the art of marksmanship. Since 1907, these prestigious competitions have called Camp Perry, Ohio, their home—a historic venue where tradition and excellence meet.

In 2024, over 4,000 marksmen and women from across the nation gathered at Camp Perry to compete in the CMP National Trophy Matches and Small Arms Firing Schools. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or a first-time shooter, the National Matches welcome participants of all skill levels to be part of this storied event.

Camp Perry, an active Ohio National Guard installation, is open to the public during the National Matches. No visitor pass or registration is needed—spectators and participants alike are invited to experience the excitement, camaraderie, and unmatched atmosphere of one of America’s greatest shooting traditions.

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