Congratulations to the 2026 winner of the prestigious NRA Sybil Ludington Women's Freedom Award, NRA Board Member Amanda Suffecool. The announcement was made at the NRA Women’s Leadership Forum Luncheon during the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas.
Why is it called the NRA Sybil Ludington Women's Freedom Award?
On the night of April 26, 1777 a wounded messenger barely reached Sybil’s home. Sybil’s father, Colonel Henry Ludington, was a veteran of the French-Indian War and commander of the militia in Duchess County, New York, near Danbury, Connecticut. Ludington’s 400 men were on temporary leave of duty at the time. As the British entered Danbury they found American military stores unguarded and began looting and burning the town.
It is unknown if Colonel Ludington asked his oldest daughter to undertake the dangerous mission to alert the militia or if the young woman bravely volunteered. Regardless, Sybil rode off late in the evening to warn the men.
The story is told that Sybil raced on her horse, Star, through the night until the early morning. She rode 40 miles, more than twice the distance Paul Revere travelled. Rallying the 400 men, Sybil endured driving rain and the attack of a highwayman whom she fought off with her father’s musket. The troops weren’t able to save Danbury, but did stop the British advance and pushed them back to their boats on Long Island Sound. This became part of the Battle of Ridgefield on April 27, 1777. The supposed route for the ride can be seen today by historical markers created to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the American Revolution.
Sybil’s ride became a beacon for ordinary people to perform extraordinary feats during times of adversity, and earned her a place in our country’s history. The NRA bestows the prestigious Sybil Ludington Women's Freedom Award in her name.
Criteria for the Sybil Ludington Award
To qualify for the Sybil Ludington Women’s Freedom Award, the nominee must have demonstrated two or more of the following qualifications on a national level:
- National recognition for performance in competitive shooting; dedication to hunting ethics and conservation or promotion of recreational shooting activities.
- Educational contributions to advance the purposes and goals of the National Rifle Association including appearance and/or writings of significant national impact to the organization.
- Meritorious performance under perilous conditions through the lawful use of a firearm in defense of self or others.
- Dedication to the protection of the Second Amendment through extensive legislative and/or legal contributions that impact the national dialog.
- Promotions of NRA programs, goals and issues in a volunteer capacity at the national level, that have a recognized positive impact on the organization.
Nominate someone for the Sybil Ludington Award here. All nominations must be made through written recommendation and be received by Nov. 1 of the current year.
