Press Releases
"The Lewis and Clark Expedition was arguably the most important and successful exploration in the history of the United States. Directed by President Thomas Jefferson, U.S. Army captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark led the four sergeants and 23 privates of the 'Corps of Discovery' on a two-year journey from Illinois to the Pacific Ocean in Oregon, and back. Their discoveries represent a significant contribution by the Army to the growth of our nation.
One unique weapon carried by the explorers, a repeating air rifle, helped open the continent for the expansion of the new republic. Able to fire 22 lead balls silently and rapidly, the Girandoni air Rifle greatly impressed the Native American tribes with modern Army firepower.
Lost for nearly 200 years, the Girandoni air rifle has now been returned to the custody of the Army through the most generous contribution of Dr. Robert and Mrs. Toshiko Beeman. The Army officially took possession of the Beeman-Girandoni Lewis and clark Air Rifle during a donation ceremony which took place on May 18, 2007 at the Army Heritage and Education Center in Carlisle, PA.
Dr. Jeffrey Clarke, Chief Historian of the US Army Center for Military History, accepted the air rifle on behalf of the Army Chief of Staff, General George W. Casey, Jr.. Dr. Clarke sincerely thanked the Beemans for donating the air rifle which, if interpreted effectively, will teach the public about a critical turning point in American history. Major General Robert Scales, US Army Retired, former Commandant of the U.S. Army War college, and current campaign Director of the Army Heritage Center Foundation, also recognized the significance of the donation of the Lewis and Clark air rifle to the Army. He stressed the importance of the Army Heritage and Education Center must be supported and completed in order to successfully utilize artifacts such as the Lewis and Clark air rifle to honor and preserve the heritage of the U.S. Army.
Guest speakers Dr. Clarke, Major General Scales, and Dr. Beeman, all acknowledged that the Lewis and Clark expedition was a central event in the development of America, and that the Beeman0Girandoni air rifle was a key component to the success of that journey. The air rifle will now receive state of the art conservation and interpretation at the Army Heritage and Education Center.
The Beeman-Girandoni Lewis and Clark Air Rifle Donation Ceremony was attended by government officials, early supporters of the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center, Army Heritage Foundation Charter Members and A Matter of Honor Campaign donors, as well as active duty and retired military officers. Mike Perry, Executive Director of the Army Heritage Center Foundation, and Brigadier general Joseph McCarthy, USA Retired thanked the attendees for their support and updated guests on the continuing evolution of the Army Heritage and Education Center. The acquisition of the Lewis and clark air rifle represents another milestone in the advancement of the Army Heritage and Education Center and the Center's mission to tell the Soldier's story and demonstrate the Army's vital role in the development of our nation."