JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Several groups are teaming up to hold Gun Appreciation Day across the country and in Jacksonville on Saturday.
As part of the day, they're asking people to go to their local gun stores, gun shows or gun ranges with the Constitution and American flags. They said they want to send a message to Congress and President Barack Obama.
This is the first year for Gun Appreciation Day, and there are mixed opinions.
"Not now. This is a sad time, we're trying to recover from Sandy Hook," said Valeria Braziel, of Jacksonville.
Many others support the day, saying someone needs to stand up for Second Amendment rights.
"I think it is our right to bear arms and we have the right to protect our families and to protect our belongings, so I don't have a problem with it," said Doug Warren, a local supporter. "I think our founding fathers would be proud that someone is standing up for what's right and what we believe in."
Sponsors of Gun Appreciation Day include the Second Amendment Foundation, Conservative Action Alerts, Social Security Institute, AmeriPac, Guns & Patriots, RedState, and many more.
For more information, visit gunappreciationday.com.
Meanwhile, the two-day Jacksonville Gun Show opens Saturday at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds. It's open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Entry costs $8 and parking is free.