BOYS NATION
A Boys Nation PICTURE FOR THE HISTORY BOOKS
Pres. Bill Clinton, a 1963 Arkansas Boys State Delegate, shakes hands with Pres. John Kennedy in the White House Rose Garden as one of Arkansas’ Boys Nation Senators — a now-famous photograph that began with Clinton’s journey at Arkansas Boys State.
ABOUT
BOYS NATION
two outstanding delegates from Arkansas Boys State join delegates from each of the 49 Boys States* to represent Arkansas at the American Legion Boys Nation in Washington, DC.
It’s at Boys Nation that the young leaders, who had excelled at their respective Boys States, are introduced to the structure and function of the federal government as Boys Nation Senators. These Senators caucus at the beginning of the session, organize into committees, and conduct hearings on bills submitted by delegates to the program.
Since its beginning in 1946, Boys Nation has seen many of its graduates elected to public offices which include the Presidency of the United States, the United States Congress, as state governors and as state legislators. Many others became inspired to actively work for the campaigns of individuals seeking public office.
*Hawaii does not have an American Legion Boys State program.