Boys Nation delegates pay respects, honor heroes

Taking a break from their usual routine introducing bills and electing party officers, the 2015 Boys Nation delegates paused to honor fallen servicemembers and reflect on their service and the selfless sacrifices they made.

The high school seniors started off their third day in Virginia participating in a memorial service observance, where they paid tribute to the Marines and sailor that succumbed to injuries and wounds sustained in Chattanooga, Tenn., when a lone gunman open fire on a Marine Reserve Center and recruiting office.

“Today we honor those lives that were cut so devastatingly short by that act of terror,” said Timothy Lankford, the Legion’s assistant director of Education. “Though they are lost to us in body, their legacy will be that they died defending freedom.”

As the Boys Nation participants bonded together during the event, Lankford talked about how the town in Tennessee rocked by the loss of those five troops banded together with other towns in solidarity instead of languishing in the threat of looming fear.

Recounting memories of comrades lost during the attack on Pearl Harbor, American Legion National Chaplain Tierian “Randy” Cash shared personal stories of how his friends made the ultimate sacrifice in efforts to look out for their fellow sailors. Cash and Lankford echoed the same sentiments, urging the young men to not let this incident in history “drive a wedge of distress” between the citizens of our nation.

The chaplain said he hoped the stories he shared of his fellow sailors helping others get to safety would inspire the boys to continue to be the best Americans they can be.

This is a striking example of how faith in our nation is so important,” Cash said. “Faith continues to be the cornerstone of our national existence.”

As the program came to an end, the sound of gently singing notes rang out. The boys’ singing filled the room and spilled out into the hallway. “God bless America, my home sweet home,” they sang.

Later in the day, the delegates traveled to Post 136 in Greenbelt, Md. Upon their arrival, they were greeted by National Commander Michael D. Helm and several members of the Department of Maryland.

As the commander spoke about the boys’ plans to visit several monuments in the nation’s capitol, his voice wavered as he shared his experiences of losing fellow soldiers during the Vietnam War, and asked each of the boys to really dig deep inside of themselves and reflect as they visited the monuments.

“You are the future heroes,” Helm said. “Being a hero isn’t always easy.”

Maryland native Carter Outsa said he was touched and inspired throughout the day. “I came from a very military family,” he said, “and it was very patriotic to be able to witness the events and be able to hear stories about those that served and were hurt or killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor and other American conflicts.”

Although the day was full of inspirational moments, the tributes don’t end there. The Boys Nation delegates will travel to Arlington cemetery Monday to lay a wreath on behalf of The American Legion.