You meet the most interesting people at the NRA Annual Meeting.  My lovely and gracious wife was hanging out and ran into Wayne Burd, a 95 year old NRA Life Member. He’s been a member for 74 years, joining the organization in 1938.  Wayne had been recognized as being the oldest living member in attendance.  Not sure if they had anyone in attendance who deceased, but I digress.

My brain boggled a bit to think of someone who joined the NRA before World War Two.  He proudly held up the wooden plaque given to him to mark the occasion.

Wayne has been a hunter since he was six years old, carrying a single shot .410 shotgun with him into the field with an uncle.

“I suppose freedom to hunt.  Back in those days you could hunt anywhere, now places are posted or you hunt for a fee.”

Wayne expressed concern about changes in gun laws.  “I have a Browning automatic shotgun, a ‘Sweet 16’ I bought in 1939.  It’s been legal all these years, but it may not be if the presidential election goes the wrong way.”

“I would like for them to have the freedom that we have enjoyed – the right to keep and bear arms.  I hope that little great grandchild of mine grows up and can enjoy firearms legally.”

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8 COMMENTS

  1. If Mr. Burd bought his life membership in 1938, he sure got his money’s worth.

    Personally, at my age I’d prefer a weekly membership so as not to waste too much money.

  3. “I have a Browning automatic shotgun, a ‘Sweet 16′ I bought in 1939. It’s been legal all these years, but it may not be if the presidential election goes the wrong way.”

    This being an assault weapon is ridiculous.

  5. “I would like for them to have the freedom that we have enjoyed – the right to keep and bear arms. I hope that little great grandchild of mine grows up and can enjoy firearms legally.”

    My sentiments for my kids exactly.

  6. After Dick Heller’s wife asked Dick to seek out Wayne’s secret to longevity, Dick talked for a bit with the old timer. Later Dick reported to me that until a few years ago, Mr. Burd had regular visits with his friend Jack Daniels.

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