The 77th session of American Legion Boys Nation began Friday with 100 senators arriving in D.C. from across the country.
Having already been through one life-shaping week this summer, at Illinois Boys State, P.J. Weaver had a good idea what to expect when he arrived at American Legion Boys Nation on July 21.
“I’m expecting a pretty tough week; I’ve heard it’s a pretty challenging week, sleepwise especially. But I’m really looking forward to meeting the guys from the other states and just being able to learn about their culture, where they’re from and how they live their lives,” Weaver said.
The opportunity to meet new friends from across the country was a common mention as the 100 rising high school juniors from 49 states and the District of Columbia arrived at Marymount University on Friday for the first day of the 77th session of Boys Nation.
“I’m really interested in meeting the best and brightest, and the future of this country, through the senators who are gathered here,” said Missouri’s Andrew Puthumana. “(For myself) growing not only as a leader, but also having a good time along the way, meeting new people, making new friends, and learning about myself as well.”
“I want to learn and grow as a person, and discover things about myself. I also want to make friendships that will last for years to come,” said Henry Pahlow of Wisconsin. “I think this is a cool opportunity to be here with people from across the country.”
Each of 50 Boys State programs selected two young men to represent them as senators at Boys Nation. Starting Saturday, they will begin forming their version of the federal government, with elections for the president pro tempore and secretary of the Senate.
The first to arrive. The first two senators to arrive at Marymount University on Friday were New Englanders — Maine’s Jack McCormick and Vermont’s Eddie Fallis.
Like most of their colleagues, they flew to the D.C. area. Around a dozen senators live within driving distance and were brought to Marymount University by their parents.
One big family. For dinner on Wednesday night, staff of both Boys Nation and American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation were guests at American Legion Kenneth Nash Post 8 in Washington. Members of Post 1 also welcomed the groups.
The 76th session of Girls Nation begins Saturday.
Bills, bills, bills. Each Boys Nation senator is required to bring at least one piece of legislation for consideration, whether it’s a bill or a resolution. Some submit more than one — meaning there will be over 100 pieces of legislation for the Senate to consider this week.
Many won’t make the floor, of course, as they’ll have to be introduced and then passed through one of the four committees.
Follow the happenings at American Legion Boys Nation at legion.org/boysnation, on YouTube at americanlegionHQ, and on social media on Twitter (@ALBoysNation) and Instagram (@theamericanlegion) with the hashtag #BoysNation2023.
- Boys Nation