Boys Nation participants hit the ground running

Upon their arrival in Washington, D.C. July 17, the 98 Boys Nation delegates in the 70th American Legion Boys Nation program hit the ground running. The chatter of the enthusiastic high school seniors’ banter filled the halls at Marymount University in Arlington, Va.

Although they have been on deck for just over 24 hours, the boys have already soaked up a wealth of knowledge. Coupled with what they have learned while participating in their local Boys State programs, the newly sworn in senators will return home with a better understanding of how the government works and functions.

“The lessons you learn here will stay with you for a lifetime,” said Mike Buss, the Boys Nation program director, during his opening remarks to the young men. Armed with motivating, inspirational speeches, several distinguished guests addressed the sea of young men out in the audience.

After swearing in the new class of senators, Ian de Planque, director of the Legion’s Legislative Division, shared his life experiences and answered questions from the senators.

“Children and youth are one of the Four Pillars of The American Legion,” de Planque said. “Civic responsibility and getting everyone to understand their part in the community is critical. We talk a lot about what rights people have as Americans, but people forget their responsibilities – that’s one of the critical components of liberty and a free country.”

Throughout the course of the next week, the senators will be tested on their knowledge of politics, their ability to lead and how well they can handle themselves under pressure. Thrown into the mix on just their second day, the senators introduced several bills and began the election process and elected several offices including President Pro Tempore Solomon Brown, Secretary of the Senate Rene Petit, and other Federalist and Nationalist positions.

As nerve wrecking as the process may have been at the time for some of the kids, the senators made it through the process unscathed.

Nick Van Slooten, a native of Arkansas, recounted the anxiety he experienced while securing his seat as the elected convention chairman for his party,

Slooten said he learned a lot about the government and his own ability to perform under pressure.

“The election process was stressful but learned a lot in the process,” he said. “I have been able to build a lot of great relationships, and I am excited to see how things progress over the course of the next few days. It was great hearing all the issues people are really passionate about.”

Ending the first two days on a high note, everyone participating echoed the same sentiments – this year’s delegates are the crème of the crop.

“To see these kids who are so motivated and enthusiastic, and be able to look at heading over the reins of the country to them in the future, is pretty spectacular,” de Planque said. “They are some pretty amazing kids.”