I think I can say that very few things surprise me these days. I pride myself in being fairly astute…even throw around the fact I grew up in the mean streets of New York but I have recently been floored, surprised, and even amazed.

This last week I had the opportunity to play “fly-on-the-wall” for the annual American Legion Boys State conference in Flagstaff, Arizona, and man what an incredible event and group of people.

At first I could not quite put my finger on what the event was about. Was it about teaching young men about how to be better citizens? Perhaps it was about learning the in and out of government? Or maybe just an event to get them away to a place that they could be taught by men and women that have proudly served their country in past and present wars. Well, it was all that and so much more!

As soon as I arrived at the Northern Arizona University, I could feel that this group was not any ordinary group of people getting together for a “Ra Ra” session about America. Once the activities began, the hard work and fun began. Actual cities and counties were organized with their respective government officials at each level, city, county and state. They even elected a governor! How cool is that?
Each day they wrote new legislature for their “mock” government. I nearly fell on the floor laughing when I hears that one proposed bill was that no was allowed to sing in the showers before 6am, or that some one being cited for having too shiny of a bold head. Of course that person had to hire an attorney to defend him, thereby learning some great basic mechanism of how actual procedures happen.

Surprisingly, the week flew by very quickly and by Friday I was having thoughts of sadness that the event and the boys I had grown accustomed to see and photograph was coming to a close. I sure hope that they invite me back next year.

What an incredible program and group pf people. The future of America is in good hands if we suppport causes such as this one. A simple reminder of all that is great about this great nation and the importance of strong families.

Check out their site to get some information about the event and future activities. http://www.arizonaboysstate.net