Heston too feeble to give speech at end of NRA presidency

Orlando Sentinel (AP) ^ | 4/26/2003 | some AP drongo

[Joe Brower]

Heston too feeble to give speech at end of NRA presidency
Orlando Sentinel (AP)
April 26, 2003

Charlton Heston made his last appearance as president of the National Rifle Association on Saturday as he shuffled across the stage, too feeble to give a live farewell speech.

He was strong enough to raise an 1866 Winchester rifle over his head and deliver his trademark line, "From my cold, dead hands." More than 4,000 members attending the NRA's annual meeting gave him a standing ovation.

Heston, who was the public voice of the NRA for five years, only spoke three more sentences in front of the members, besides the phrase he uttered after receiving the rifle as a farewell gift.

"Thank you for everything, not only now but for all the years," Heston said. "It has been a wonderful run. I'm going to miss you."

[Joe Brower]

Click HERE for the rest of the article. FR's excerpt-o-matic is giving me hell this evening!

Gotta love the Associated Press -- just read the headline and it's pretty plain what they prefer to focus on. And of course, there is the obligatory free PR for the "24 Mom Meander", aka "Million Mom March". Everyone at the convention was concerned for Mr. Heston -- he wasn't doing well, but considering his age, this is not uncommon. The only sad spot in what was otherwise a stellar event.

Oh, and the Many Misled Moms were completely ignored by everyone in attendence. Gun-toting raving crazies that we are, we peacefully tolerated their unwanted presence and simply walked by them. The only attention they received was from the fawning media. I later spoke with Maria Heil of the SAS, who did manage to get some licks in, although whether or not the leftmedia chose to air her statements, who knows.

[Joe Brower]

[Larry Lucido]

God bless Charlton Heston.

[noutopia]

A very great man getting old,before his time.

[shootist]

Any suggestions on his replacement?

[wardaddy]

Ah hell...this is so tragic...dammit....makes me very sad.

I lierally bumped into Moses coming out of the bathroom at Davis Kidd bookstores here a few years back....he was quick to apologize and we shook hands and exchanged brief pleasantries.....I was in shock of course.

Helluva presence. Same piercing stern blue eyes my dad had.

All the old heroes are fading into the mist.

[clockwork]

Gotta love the Associated Press -- just read the headline and it's pretty plain what they prefer to focus on.

My thoughts exactly. I read this (or a similar story) in the Atlanta Journal this weekend. In fact, Heston gave a very short speech punctuated by his signature line "from my cold, dead hands". Quite an accomplishment for someone in his condition.

[Jorge]

I saw that appearance.
At this age, Heston has to be one of the most loved actors around.
Though he was feeble physically and perhaps mentally...he still exudes a beautiful spirit.

[spodefly]

For his accomplishments and his service, Charlton Heston has my sincerest gratitude and utmost respect.

[Shooter 2.5]

Click the linky.

[noutopia]

I wonder if the NRA asked him if he had a replacement in mind? He will be missed thats for sure.

[Blue Collar Christian]

How would the left respond if one of their loved ones was disrespected in this manner?

You couldn't gather enought cheese for the whine.

[chicagolady]

A True Hero!

[RLK]

Death eventually claims us all. Even John Wayne died. In his day, Heston was one hellofva man. Age and eventual death can't change that.

[Scothia]

God bless Charlton Heston. Could there ever be another like him?

[Eaker]

Deserves another bang......

Borrowed your really cool bang!!!

Eaker

[Wiggins]

How about actor James Woods.

[kinghorse]

God bless Charlton Heston. What a name. What was his given name?

[kinghorse]

dang. i hate when someone posts something so good while i'm hitting the post button.

james woods would be the man at whatever he wanted to get involved with. not sure about his love of the firearm but it's sure something nice to think about. That position is a lightning rod for confrontation.

[noutopia]

Think he is from NC but dont know his real name.