75th session of Boys Nation begins July 23
The 75th session of American Legion Boys Nation will take place July 23-30 at Marymount University in Arlington, Va.
The program, canceled last summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will bring 100 incoming high school seniors from across the nation to receive an education on the structure and function of federal government. The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors a similar program, American Legion Girls Nation, which will meet July 24-30, also in the Washington, D.C., area.
While continuing pandemic restrictions in some states forced the cancellation of several Boys State programs this summer, The American Legion — in order to have a full Boys Nation senate and maximize the Boys Nation experience for the greatest number of youth possible — has approved alternate delegates from those Boys State programs who were able to meet this year, whether in-person or virtually, on a random basis.
The Boys Nation senators, representing 49 states and the District of Columbia, will introduce legislation, organize party platforms and conventions, and elect a president, vice president, president pro tempore and secretary of the Senate.
The senators are also scheduled to meet virtually with their real world Senators or their staff. Other scheduled activities include a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown at Arlington National Cemetery, a dinner with American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford and other members of the Legion Family at Post 136 in Greenbelt, Md., and a tour of the National Mall.
Follow the happenings at American Legion Boys Nation at legion.org/boysnation, and on social media on Twitter (@ALBoysNation) and Instagram (@theamericanlegion) with the hashtag #BoysNation75.
