CAMP PERRY, Ohio – The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) is thrilled to welcome Fiocchi as the official sponsor of the 2025 First Shot Ceremony!
Fiocchi, an Italian producer of high quality shotshell, centerfire and rimfire ammunition since 1876, has had roots set in the United States for over 40 years. Its Ozark, Mo., facility produces 80 percent of Fiocchi brand products sold in the U.S. and employs nearly 200 hardworking employees. With its success, the company has expanded to a second facility in Little Rock, Ark.
Through craftsmanship, innovation and unparalleled customer service, Fiocchi remains true to its Italian and American heritage while providing a long list of superior products to its consumers – ensuring optimal performance in a variety of applications. Learn more and view Fiocchi’s current inventory at https://fiocchiusa.com/.
The First Shot Ceremony serves as the traditional opening to the month-long National Trophy Rifle and Pistol Matches at Camp Perry. Since 1907, the National Matches has welcomed talented marksmen and women from around the country as well as those hoping to learn more about the sport.
The 2025 First Shot Ceremony is set to take place July 14 at 4:30 p.m. on the Camp Perry National Guard Training Facility’s historic Rodriguez Range in Port Clinton, Ohio. We hope to see you there!
More About the 2025 First Shot Ceremony:
The First Shot Ceremony is open to the public, with free admission and plenty of on-site parking.
This year’s First Shot Ceremony will begin at 4:00 p.m., with prelude music by the Ohio National Guard’s 122nd Army Band. Scheduled activities include a flyover by a pair of WWII aircraft, like the U.S. Army Air Corps Mitchell B-25 bomber Georgie’s Gal and a U.S. Navy Grumman TBM Avenger fighter-bomber, as well as pyrotechnic displays. (Those sensitive to loud noises are encouraged to bring hearing protection, though hearing protection will also be available from CMP staff.)
Additionally, static military vehicle displays will be available for viewing on the grounds, and a special color guard presentation by the cadets of Zion Benton High School Navy JROTC from Illinois will also make an appearance during the ceremony – followed by notes from a lineup of distinguished guests including 2025 First Shot Speaker, Paris Olympic silver medalist Staff Sgt. Sagen Maddalena of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit.
While on the grounds of Camp Perry, visitors are encouraged to check out the electronic targets of Petrarca Range and the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center, only a short walk away from the ceremony site. The Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center also features authentic Olympic memorabilia from the careers of celebrated marksmen Gary Anderson and Launi Meili.
View a full schedule of the 2025 National Matches events at https://thecmp.org/cmp-national-matches/.
The Civilian Marksmanship Program is a federally chartered 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation that places its highest priority on firearms safety and marksmanship activities, with a focus on youth. CMP’s programs encourage personal growth and build life skills, with such initiatives as its junior training and competition programs, Affiliated Club program and scholarships providing support to citizens of all backgrounds across the nation. Learn more about the CMP at https://thecmp.org/.
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