American Legion Posts NC Legion sponsored programs

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When we pay tribute to our veterans, we want to make sure that it is done in a proper military manner. I mean: let us give our veterans not only a tribute but individual recognition for his or her service to their country, and for some it may have been the ultimate sacrifice. Let us honor them the way they honored their country, and to never forget those who did not come home. For some American Legion members, the Honor Guard could be the gray area that is not quite clear. The Honor Guard of American Legion Post 532 here in Hayesville, NC., was formed 10 years ago by a small group of dedicated  Legionnaires who saw the need for providing military honors for their fellow veterans. It is doubtful that those visionaries could have imagined how the Honor Guard they created would one day evolve into the proficient and highly skilled organization that it is today. Our reputation for providing dignified services for our fellow veterans has become widely recognized throughout our community and beyond. They do what we all should be doing - honoring our veterans for their service, as well as those who are still serving this great country we live in. For without their service, where would we be? Let me just say that the Honor Guard of American Legion Post 532, and the Honor Guards all over the United States, will not forget. The Honor Guard has a wonderful history of those who served long ago, and of those who are serving now. The honor they bring to the veterans who have been called to other duties can never be surpassed. The thankful look on the families' faces, those who are both young and old, and those who are the loved one's immediate family. They come from all walks of life, and are of different nationalities, races and creeds, but the one fact they all share is that their loved one was a veteran. I think that the feeling is always there to answer the call when needed; and we are dedicated to serve those who have served before us and to be there for their families, even on a very short notice. It is an honored tradition, and only those who feel a special calling choose to serve in this capacity. It seems that sometimes we overlook some small part of the ceremony, but only we know what it may be. I guess it comes from wanting the family to be completely satisfied and that we did everything we could to honor their loved one. The smiles, the tears, a final hug and the final words of many thanks are enough for us to continue without the least hesitation. The service to honor the veteran includes a personal reading for all veterans, a prayer suitable for all denominations, the rifle squad firing a three-round volley with their weapons, and finally Taps by our bugler. At this conclusion, the Veterans Burial Flag is folded in the proper military manner, and then presented to the next of kin or designated recipient. It is now we know that we have finished honoring the veteran, and the day is done. In addition to being an Honor Guard member, you may also serve on the Color Guard, and in doing so you will be asked to post the national colors along with the Legion's colors to all who may require this honorable tradition. In my personal opinion, I think our national colors are the most beautiful in the entire world, and when I see our flag flying in the breeze I truly feel proud to an American. For God and Country  

When not is class session, boys can participate in various sports, such as swimming, basketball, track, band concert, talent show, soccer, and many more.

 Please see movie about Boy's State.

http://ncboysstate.org/Movie.html

Contact: Bob Bond  rpbond@hotmail.com

Catawba College will host the 78th annual session of Tar Heel Boys' State June 18-24. This is the eleventh consecutive year that the weeklong event has been held on campus and approximately 300 participants, all rising high school seniors from North Carolina, are expected. Notable state leaders traditionally speak at sessions during Tar Heel Boys' State. Past speakers have included the N.C. governor and lieutenant governor, the N.C. attorney general and secretary of state, as well as distinguished alumni from the programs. This year, slated speakers include on Monday, June 20, at 9:00 a.m., Representative Linda Johnson will speak about writing bills and at 10:30 a.m. Senator Jeff Jackson and Senator Andrew Brock will speak about the Political Parties; on Wednesday, June 22, at 1:00 p.m., Representative Carl Ford will discuss his role as an elected official in county government.  Karen Alexander, Salisbury city mayor will discuss her role as a city official and Wednesday at 7:00 p.m., NC Supreme Court Justice, Robert Edmunds will speak on the Judicial System.  United States Congressman Bob Inglis will speak on issues facing the US Government on Friday June 24 at 10:00 am to the young men. During the evening of Friday, June 24, participants will entertain each other with a band concert, and a talent show.  The week concludes with a commencement ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 25, in Keppel Auditorium. Sponsored by the American Legion, Tar Heel Boys' State is directed by Roy Pressley of Waynesville, NC, an American Legion member and a Boys' State staffer for the last several years.  Involving high school juniors who are academically in the top third of their class, the program is a weeklong practical study of the structure and operation of North Carolina State Government.  In a non-partisan atmosphere, participants take a hands-on approach to learning how state and local governments function.  Citizens, as the participants are known, develop an understanding of the responsibilities of citizenship by creating and living under their own mock government. During the week, citizens are grouped into cities as they organize their own local government, elect officers, prepare a city charter and conduct city activities.  Citizens also assume the role of a senator, representative or lobbyist to research and write bills for their legislature.  Each citizen is also a member of a fictitious political party that will develop a party platform, campaign for party candidates and ultimately elect a slate of officers to govern. Former Boys' State participants of note include Catawba College Alumnus Phil Kirk '67, chairman emeritus of the N.C. State Board of Education; professional basketball great Michael Jordan of N.C.; and N.C. Governors Jim Hunt and James Martin.  National program alumni of note include former U.S. President Bill Clinton, former U.S. Vice Presidents Al Gore and Dick Cheney, U.S. Senator Sam Nunn, former NBC News Anchor Tom Brokaw and NASA Astronaut Neil Armstrong. For more information about Tar Heel Boys' State, visit www.ncboysstate.org.  

Tar Heel Boys' State is sponsored by The American Legion Department of North Carolina. It is an intense workshop concentrating on North Carolina state government and politics. Some 500 rising high school seniors representing all geographic areas of North Carolina participate annually in this program. Since 2003 the sessions have been held on the campus of Catawba College, Salisbury, NC
 

The American Legion believes there is no better way to assure the survival of our great republic than to train our young people in the ideals and objectives of American government. By teaching the youth of our state and nation to understand and appreciate the basic principles involved in the successful management of a democratic society, we can keep America strong and ensure freedom for future generations. Tar Heel Boys' State teaches the preservation of our form of government that depends on intelligent, informed and loyal citizens in combination with government activities.  Objectives of the program are:   

• To improve citizenship for present and future generations of Tar Heels 
• To become familiar with the structure of North Carolina government and it's      political process using the LEARN TODAY TO LEAD TOMORROW concept of      instruction 
• To develop civic leadership and pride in American citizenship 
• To arouse a keen interest in the detailed study of our government 
• To develop in the young citizens of Boys' State the full understanding of our      American traditions and beliefs in the United States of America 
• To arouse in the young citizens a determination to maintain our form of      government 
• To inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and      nation 
• To safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and      democracy 

These objectives are reached through the two-fold process of classroom lectures and role-playing.
 

Upon arrival at Boys State the delegates are assigned to one of 2 imaginary political parties, the "Federalists" or the "Nationalists". Membership in these parties forms the core of the educational experience. Classroom instruction is provided on subjects such as law, civil service and election procedure. Other special "schools" are held prior to elections to inform candidates of the duties of the office they seek and after election to cover how the elected officers and appointees can carry out their duties. All citizens of Boys State receive instruction in Parliamentary Procedure.