Former NRA President Marion P. Hammer Inducted <BR>Into Florida Women`s Hall of Fame!

On December 28, 2004, Marion P. Hammer was inducted into the Florida Women`s Hall of Fame by Governor Jeb Bush (R)!

Ms. Hammer, a former President of the NRA, was nominated for the honor by Florida Attorney General Charlie Crist (R). The Hall of Fame was created by Florida statute to honor women who have made significant contributions to the improvement of life for women and for all citizens of Florida.

"Marion Hammer has long proven herself to be a worthy recipient of appointment to the Florida Women`s Hall of Fame," said Crist. "Throughout her career she has diligently and uncompromisingly pursued issues that are beneficial to women and their families, as well as her community, her state and her nation."

Hammer, who served as NRA President from 1995-98, is a member of the NRA Board of Directors and sits on the Executive Council. She has been the Executive Director of the Unified Sportsman of Florida since 1978 and is a Certified Firearms Instructor.

"I have always sought and valued her counsel," said NRA Executive Vice-President Wayne LaPierre, "not only because of her legislative and political acumen, but more importantly, because of her rock-solid integrity."

She has been recognized on many occasions for her tireless efforts on behalf of women and gun owners around the country. In 1997, she was presented with the "Florida Outstanding Women Achievement Award" from the Florida Secretary of State and in 1996 received the "Arizona Governor`s Appreciation Award" for promoting equal opportunities for women. Hammer also received the National Safety Council`s prestigious "National Citation Outstanding Community Service Award" in 1993.

In 1995, the American Legion`s "National Education Award" was presented to NRA and Hammer for creating the Eddie Eagle GunSafe® Program. That same year she received the "NRA Sybil Luddington Women`s Freedom Award." Dating back to 1978, she has been honored on 22 different occasions by law enforcement, state and federal governments, and gun rights organizations, among others. One was the "Roy Rogers Man of the Year" award--the only woman to be so honored.

Ms. Hammer said she was surprised and honored by the induction. "That kind of recognition is something you don`t think about - but when it comes your way, it`s very special. To be nominated by the attorney general and selected by Governor Bush, it doesn`t get much better than that."

Congratulations to Marion Hammer on this much-deserved honor!