ANDERSON COOPER, CNN ANCHOR: The National Rifle Association is bidding farewell to perhaps its most recognizable figure. Charlton Heston gave up his leadership post at the guns lobby annual convention in Orlando today. Our Arthel Neville has more.</s>ARTHEL NEVILLE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Frail and moving slowly, Charlton Heston gave his patented grin just before he passed the gavel, a moment that was taped and later shown on a big screen.</s>UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Thank you. I learned from the master.</s>NEVILLE: Five years after becoming president of the NRA, Heston said goodbye as he battles Alzheimer's disease.</s>CHARLTON HESTON, OUTGOING PRESIDENT, NRA: Thank you for everything. Not only now, tonight, but on through all the years. It's been a wonderful run. I'm going to miss you.</s>NEVILLE: Heston used his celebrity and his passion helping the NRA achieve some political victories and helping to overcome negative publicity after the Columbine shootings.</s>UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He is truly a unique celebrity from the entertainment world, because it's not a fad of the minute political position. All his beliefs have been deeply held based on principle, and he's had the courage to speak out.</s>NEVILLE: In his last act before the convention, Heston repeated his most famous line as president.</s>HESTON: From my cold, dead hands.</s>NEVILLE: While outside, protesters pointed to the irony of the statement.</s>UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: What I think about and what I daresay every mother that I know who has lost a child to gun violence, I think of the cold, dead body of our sons and daughters.</s>NEVILLE: Even as Heston exits the political stage, both sides now gear up for battle in Washington. That will include limiting lawsuits against gun makers and the future of the assault weapons ban. Arthel Neville, CNN.
Heston Steps Down as NRA President