CHICAGO - - The following is the text of a statement delivered today by Richard Pearson, Executive Director of the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA) to the association's membership:

“I am very proud to announce to the officers, directors and members that your Illinois State Rifle Association has been named Outstanding State Association for 2009 by the National Rifle Association of America (NRA). The granting of this prestigious award spells volumes of your hard work and dedication to the protection and preservation of Illinois' heritage of safe and lawful firearm ownership. This award confirms what I've known all along – law-abiding Illinois gun owners will not back down, even in the face of extreme adversity. You have proven to the Nation that you will not be deterred by the likes of Richie Daley or Jim Ryan or Mark Kirk. You will stand, you will fight, you will win”

“This award also pays homage to the many dozens of volunteers who make ISRA's shooting sports programs some of the best in the Nation, and even the world. Your dedication to the sport has opened up countless shooting opportunities to a whole new generation of enthusiasts. Your continued service will ensure that both competitive and recreational shooting remain one of the safest and most rewarding of America's pastimes.”

“I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize all of the other great NRA state affiliates out there that work tirelessly day in and day out to preserve our shooting traditions. Your strength served as a tremendous inspiration to the ISRA when times got really rough for Illinois gun owners. For that, we thank you.”

“In closing, I would like to once again thank the NRA for its consideration. I'd also like to remind the membership that 2010 promises to be a year of destiny for our Second Amendment and the bounty of liberty it has delivered. Our continued prosperity will require that we tap once again into the strength and dedication of the shooting sports community. I have every confidence that you will face the challenges ahead with every bit of grit and determination that you have exhibited in the past.”
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The ISRA is the state's leading advocate of safe, lawful and responsible firearms ownership. Since 1903, the ISRA has represented the interests of over 1.5 million law-abiding Illinois firearm owners.