Friends of NRA recalls its past as it moves to the future
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Friends of NRA looks back a decade to the process of choosing their now-iconic patriot logo and growth of their merchandise. An article in the recent issue of Traditions Magazine shows us just how key the five year period of 2002-2006 was for making Friends of NRA the successful program it is today.
With a decade of friends, food and fellowship behind them, the Friends
of NRA program had gained a respected
name in the outdoor industry.
The evolvement of the program
rested on its next hurdle, developing
a brand that would define the mission
and purpose of the instrumental
fundraising program.
Since its inception in 1992, Friends
of NRA had developed an association
with America’s Patriots. The
image was an appropriate match,
symbolizing liberty, peace, and justice.
The program sought to develop
a logo that would encompass the
idea of a patriot as its new brand
mark.
Finding little success working with
logo and branding agencies, Friends
of NRA just had to look down the
halls of the National Rifle Association
for a spark. The inspiration
came from a piece that was created
by Harry Jaecks, NRA’s Publications
Art Director and freelance
artist. Jaecks had recently created
a beautiful painting of the “Battle
of Concord” where he brilliantly
captured the essence of the patriots
who fought for freedom during the
American Revolution. This piece
was a featured item in the Friends
of NRA Merchandise Package and
had a strong following among event
attendees nationwide.
Jaecks and the Field Operations
department wrestled with the idea
until the logo was finalized in 2003.
The final product consisted of a silhouette
image of a patriot holding a
musket with Friends of NRA ornately
displayed across. Once the logo
was finalized it wasn’t long before
it made its appearance on various
Friends of NRA merchandise, Traditions
magazine, and an assortment
of promotional materials.
You can finish reading about Friends of NRA's history and all the other articles from past issues of Traditions Magazine right here.