This Veterans Day, let’s take a suggestion NSSF’s Mark Olive suggested back in 2021, and let’s honor America’s veterans in a way that reflects the spirit they’ve fought to protect. Rather than just picking up the bill or raising a glass in their honor, consider something that speaks directly to their roots—a day out on the range.

Today marks Veterans Day, celebrating those who’ve served in the Armed Forces. Originally commemorated as Armistice Day, it signaled the end of World War I on Nov. 11, 1918, “the day the guns fell silent.” This year, let’s let the guns roar once more in celebration. Fill the air with the crack of rifles, the sound of breaking clays and the ring of steel targets as we remember their courage and sacrifices.

There’s no better way to celebrate the freedoms our veterans defended than by experiencing those freedoms ourselves. So invite the veterans in your life—family, friends, colleagues—for a day on the range or a trek through the woods. These men and women ran to the sound of the guns, facing challenges with boldness and resilience. Let’s honor their spirit not in silence but in the celebration of action.

The firearms industry holds a special connection to veterans—not just in the products they make, but in the shared values they uphold. Many veterans work in the industy in manufacturing, in stores, on ranges and in organizations dedicated to protecting our freedoms. We know firsthand the impact our industry has in arming and supporting those who defend our liberty.

As we gather this Veterans Day, let’s celebrate by making space for veterans to join us in what they fought to protect. Offer more than just a handshake this year; give them an invitation to join you in firing a round, sharing the camaraderie and celebrating freedom together. Make it an experience filled with the sound of shotgun blasts and the solid “ping” of a steel target hit—a true sound of freedom. This year, let’s thank our veterans with an unforgettable experience.