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The 2008 session of American Legion Boys Nation got under way last week at Marymount University in Arlington, Va. The program officially began when 98 "senators" arrived July 18, representing 49 state programs. Three days later, they elected new leaders: President Joseph Riley of Tennessee, Vice President Dominick LoBraico of New Jersey, President Pro Tempore Joseph "Wells" Ellenberg of Georgia and Secretary of the Senate Travis Nordgaard of Minnesota.
"I've been interested in leadership and politics since I was about 6 or 7 years old," Riley said. "It feels pretty wonderful to be elected president of Boys Nation." In fourth grade, he had a map on his wall of the Electoral College, and closely followed the 2000 presidential election. "I actually predicted that it would come down to Michigan or Florida," he recalls.
Riley and LoBraico came up with a party platform that addressed key issues facing the nation. "One of the most important issues today is the economy," LoBraico said. "Our stand is to make sure that spending in Washington is more responsible, and to support industries and companies that don't outsource jobs."
LoBraico didn't plan to run for any office at Boys Nation, but he quickly made friends who formed the nucleus of a movement in his party to get him nominated and elected as vice president. "I'm grateful and amazed," LoBraico said. "It's a great feeling to see my party get behind me with their support."
LoBraico and Riley are both highly impressed with the quality of students who participated in Boys Nation this year. "It's good we have these young men from all over the country who really care about the issues facing our government," Riley said. "Sure, we debate over our differences, but then we get together as friends. There is so much argument between conservatives and liberals, we sometimes forget that practical solutions exist."
During their week-long stay, Boys Nation participants are visiting prominent sites in Washington; they have also met with senators from their home states, and discussed, debated and voted on hundreds of pieces of Boys Nation legislation.
American Legion National Commander Marty Conatser spoke to Boys Nation at Greenbelt American Legion Post 136 in Maryland on July 20. The next day, Conatser and the Legion's national chaplain, Elliott Foss, joined two Boys Nation senators to lay a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery's Tomb of the Unknowns.
The American Legion started the program in 1946 to provide young men with a meaningful understanding of our nation's political process. Selection of participants is based on academic achievement, leadership potential and previous activities related to the Legion's Boys State program.
Since last Friday, Boys Nation senators have conducted their own party conventions, nominated candidates for office, heard them debate, and elected leaders. They also have attended a memorial service and visited war memorials at the National Mall. Other activities have included trips to the Iwo Jima Memorial and U.S. Supreme Court.
For more information and photos of the Boys Nation experience, visit their Web site.
BOYS NATION WEB SITE
