Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 15 hours ago
Fred Schrum has an associate's degree as a gunsmith, so he was chosen to load the M5 Anti-Tank Gun for a ceremony on Saturday, July 18. It was the day of the Legion Riders' 13th annual Salute to our Servicemen ride, and firing the gun would mark the start of the ride.
The event had been publicized so that community members wouldn't be alarmed when they heard the minor explosion. People attended the event and watched on social media, ready for a resounding boom.
But the gun didn't fire. Well, technically, the gun did fire, but the powder didn't ignite.
The Lansing Journal spoke with Fred Schrum about what happened:
0:00 - Introduction by Melanie Jongsma
2:15 - Facebook Live video at the scene and some history of the gun
5:10 - Interview with Fred Schrum before the misfire
6:33 - The pre-ride ceremony, including the misfire and the second attempt, which did shoot the cartridge
8:37 - The Legion Riders begin their ride
9:24 - The Legion Riders return that afternoon
10:20 - Melanie asks Fred what happened
14:26 - The following morning, Fred lights the powder
16:40 - Final thoughts by Melanie
If you are a veteran looking for an active Legion to belong to, contact Lansing's American Legion Post 697, 18255 Grant Street, Lansing, IL 60438. Or visit their Facebook page: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582095003447
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The questionable politics of Thornton Township Supervisors Tiffany Henyard and now Napoleon Harris brought new viewers and subscribers to our channel, and we appreciate their interest in our local politics. But most of the news that happens in Lansing and other parts of Thornton Township is much less dramatic, though just as important. The Lansing Journal serves a diverse community and offers a diverse range of news — stories that are often overlooked by larger media. If you are interested in what local news looks like, subscribe to The Lansing Journal:
• Our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@lansingjournal?sub_confirmation=1
• Our Daily News email: thelansingjournal.org/subscribe-from-youtube
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit newsroom, and we depend on support from viewers and readers in order to provide the journalism our community deserves. Visit the Donate page on our website to make a tax-deductible donation: thelansingjournal.org/donate
Every dollar goes directly into the journalism and helps support this local newspaper as we serve our community.
MISSION
The Lansing Journal is the only newspaper in Lansing, Illinois. Our mission is Building Community, and we fulfill that mission by keeping our diverse community informed and connected through local independent news that is freely accessible.
Subscribe to our channel: youtube.com/@lansingjournal?sub_confirmation=1
Fred Schrum has an associate's degree as a gunsmith, so he was chosen to load the M5 Anti-Tank Gun for a ceremony on Saturday, July 18. It was the day of the Legion Riders' 13th annual Salute to our Servicemen ride, and firing the gun would mark the start of the ride.
The event had been publicized so that community members wouldn't be alarmed when they heard the minor explosion. People attended the event and watched on social media, ready for a resounding boom.
But the gun didn't fire. Well, technically, the gun did fire, but the powder didn't ignite.
The Lansing Journal spoke with Fred Schrum about what happened:
0:00 - Introduction by Melanie Jongsma
2:15 - Facebook Live video at the scene and some history of the gun
5:10 - Interview with Fred Schrum before the misfire
6:33 - The pre-ride ceremony, including the misfire and the second attempt, which did shoot the cartridge
8:37 - The Legion Riders begin their ride
9:24 - The Legion Riders return that afternoon
10:20 - Melanie asks Fred what happened
14:26 - The following morning, Fred lights the powder
16:40 - Final thoughts by Melanie
If you are a veteran looking for an active Legion to belong to, contact Lansing's American Legion Post 697, 18255 Grant Street, Lansing, IL 60438. Or visit their Facebook page: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582095003447
=========
The questionable politics of Thornton Township Supervisors Tiffany Henyard and now Napoleon Harris brought new viewers and subscribers to our channel, and we appreciate their interest in our local politics. But most of the news that happens in Lansing and other parts of Thornton Township is much less dramatic, though just as important. The Lansing Journal serves a diverse community and offers a diverse range of news — stories that are often overlooked by larger media. If you are interested in what local news looks like, subscribe to The Lansing Journal:
• Our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@lansingjournal?sub_confirmation=1
• Our Daily News email: thelansingjournal.org/subscribe-from-youtube
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit newsroom, and we depend on support from viewers and readers in order to provide the journalism our community deserves. Visit the Donate page on our website to make a tax-deductible donation: thelansingjournal.org/donate
Every dollar goes directly into the journalism and helps support this local newspaper as we serve our community.
MISSION
The Lansing Journal is the only newspaper in Lansing, Illinois. Our mission is Building Community, and we fulfill that mission by keeping our diverse community informed and connected through local independent news that is freely accessible.
Subscribe to our channel: youtube.com/@lansingjournal?sub_confirmation=1
