Boys State - Scholarship Program
Its Purpose:
American Legion Boys State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for high school students. It is a participatory program where each participant becomes a part of the operation of his local, county and state government.
Boys State has been a program of The American Legion since 1935 when it organized to counter the Fascist inspired Young Pioneer Camps. The program was the idea of two Illinois Legionnaires, Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card, who organized the first Boys State at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.
The Post fully supports this program and has been sponsoring two to three young men each year. To see if you are up to the Boys State challenge, click on the following link: About Boys
The Boys State Convention is held yearly during the period and location shown below:
- Date of Convention: June 20 - June 26
- Location of Convention: Liberty University Lynchburg, Virginia
"A Constitutional Speech Contest"
Its Purpose:
The contest was developed primarily to instill a better knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States in high school students. Other objectives include the development of leadership qualities, the ability to think and speak clearly, and the preparation for acceptance of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship.
The program is to assist students in paying the high cost of a college education. The American Legion Life Insurance Committee provides the scholarship money for the program. The first place winner takes home $18,000 and the next two finishers receive $16,000 and $14,000. First round participants in the National Contest receive a $1,500 scholarship. Second round participants who do not advance to the final round will receive an additional $1,500 scholarship.
To see examples of contest performances and information regarding the current year contest, click on the following link: Oratorical Contest
Information Coming Soon
During World War I, when the fields of Flanders were bombed, sunlight reached poppy seeds in the disturbed soil and soon the fields were covered with red blossoms, a welcome sight for the emancipating American troops. Because of this, the American Legion adopted the red poppy as its symbol to be worn every Memorial Day.
Memorial Day Day Poppy Campaign
Veterans Day Poppy Campaign
The Manassas Project
What is the Manassas Project?
This Historical Post Site redevelopment features six attractive duplexes that will provide affordable housing for veterans. These duplexes blend well with current character and architecture of the community.