100 senators arrive in Arlington, Va., to take part in American Legion Boys Nation – and immediately form a bond amongst themselves.
The 100 soon-to-be high school seniors that arrived in Arlington, Va., on Friday for American Legion Boys Nation did so as strangers. But by that evening, it was obvious friendships already had been formed.
The evening’s ice cream social and legislative session was clear evidence of that.
The raucous group of senators, divided evenly into the Federalist and Nationalist parties, quickly bonded and then engaged in a rowdy – but good-natured – back-and-forth in an attempt to claim supremacy over the other party. But then the two groups came together later for a spirited round of karaoke led by junior counselor Eddie Gonet, a member of Harvard’s a cappella group the Krokodiloes.
The enthusiasm and obvious bonding between the senators were noticed by Boys Nation staff.
“In my 11 years, I’ve never seen a group come together and socialize so quickly,” Activities Director Clay Ballenger said. “So far tonight, you have the potential to be the best Boys Nation in the history of Boys Nation. So, keep it up.”
California senator Frank Diorio also saw that bonding as Friday progressed. “This first day has been amazing,” he said. “Just to meet everybody is so incredible. It’s really nice to see everybody from across the country and with different perspectives. Nobody’s concerned about the government part yet We’re just people being people, which I love.”
Sponsored by Jack V. Rice Post 761 in Joshua Tree but now residing in nearby McLean, Va., after his family moved, Diorio wouldn’t mind being elected to an office. But that’s not his primary goal.
“What I’m hoping to get out of this week is to come out known as the person who was kind. As the person who looked out for the other delegates,” Diorio said. “Maybe not even a shoulder to lean on, but a shoulder to be by. To be that friend. At the end of the day, being (elected to an office) would be a compliment. But hopefully, not be a good politician, but a good human being.”
That was something stressed by Boys Nation Legislative Mark Brejcha during his remarks. “How will you govern this week?” he asked. “Believe it or not, the virtuous senator does exist, just like the virtuous soldier. They are out there. They are you. We’re counting on this generation – we’re counting on you – bring civility back to politics. This is the turning point in our American history, and you’re going to be the frontrunner for that.
“Whatever your goals or ambitions are this week, consider being a servant leader. If you make it about you, it will never be about you. If you make it about others, it will then become about you.”
After Brejcha spoke, the senators were divided by their party lines and given pep talks and an overview of the week’s processes by their party counselors, Steve Robertson and Joe Bjorkman. Then the night closed with an enthusiastic round of karaoke that included “Sweet Caroline” and ‘Country Road.” The performance of the latter caused Supply Manager Jim Davis, a West Virginia Legionnaires, to note, “In 18 years (at Boys Nation) that’s the best I’ve ever heard it sang.”
Earlier in the day, senators were briefed by their section counselors, issued shirts and then photographed for this year’s Boys Nation Yearbook. The first to arrive was Duncan Haas, who departed from Akron-Canton airport at 6:17 a.m. and, around two hours later, was sitting in the dining hall enjoying breakfast with junior counselors.
Hass, who will be a senior at Jackson High School near Canton, Ohio, was one of 100 senators from 49 states and the District of Columbia who arrived on Friday. They will spend the next seven days going through the U.S. legislative process and touring various federal institutions, monuments, war memorials and other attractions.
Sponsored by American Legion Post 221 in Massillon, Hass said he woke up at around 4:15 a.m. to head to the airport. “I woke up and like, ‘Oh shoot, today’s the day,’” he said. “It was a bit of nerves, but also a lot of excitement. I’m obviously expecting a really good time and have a lot of fun and to learn a lot. I don’t know exactly what to expect. I’m kind of excited about that.”
During Buckeye Boys State Hass served as his city’s party chairman and then was elected to the House of Representatives. Now he’s looking forward to getting an opportunity to be around other young men with similar interests.
“It’s one of the things I was genuinely looking forward to: meeting all the cool people here. I hope to make friendships that last my whole life,” he said. “And it’s also a really good forum to talk to other people. Talk about the legislation we wrote. Talk about the different political issues. Where we’re interested in going to college. It’s a really cool experience to meet up with like-minded people.
“I expect to come back with a better understanding of government and also experiences that I will remember the rest of my life. And skills that I will use, hopefully, for the rest of my career, whatever that may be.”
Giovanni Tiano, who attends Sussex Central High School in Georgetown, Del., served as senate majority leader during Delaware American Legion Boys State. Once there, he realized being selected for Boys Nation was a distinct possibility. “They told us that anyone could go, he said. “It was really just be yourself and have a good time at Boys State, and that’s what I did.”
Being selected for the national program “felt great,” Tiano said. “It just felt like a couple of golden doors opened up with opportunity on the other side. I’m really just looking forward to learn and grow and see where this opportunity can take me.
“I’m excited to be here with all these like-minded individuals here ready to learn and get our hands on and get some mock government going.”
During the senators’ opening briefing, American Legion Americanism Commission Chairman Mark Avis urged them to keep sharing their experience with others after they return home. “I hope you have a great experience,” he said. “When you get back in your states and back in your local schools, remember Boys Nation and talk it up amongst your peers and your junior class behind you. Let them know what a great program your individual Boys States are, but most importantly, the experience you get here in Washington, D.C., at Boys Nation.”
Follow the happenings at American Legion Boys Nation (#BoysNation2025):
· Web: www.legion.org/get-involved/youth-programs/boys-state-boys-nation
· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/americanlegionhq
· X: @ALBoysNation
· Instagram: @theamericanlegion
· YouTube: americanlegionHQ.
- Boys Nation