Good Evening Boys’ Staters!! Last year I had an incredible experience at Boys’ State, but that experience was taken to new heights when I was given the opportunity to attend Boys’ Nation.
The most influential part of my Boys’ Nation experience was taught to me not in a tangible sense, but rather through the actions of the Legionnaires. The American Legion sponsored both Boys’ State and Boys’ Nation; henceforth, while in Washington, many of the legionnaires participated in the sightseeing activities with us. One of the most touching and thought-provoking things I have ever experienced was watching the reverence of the veterans who joined us at the war memorials. They all either saluted or just sobbed while staring at the names of their deceased comrades. My fellow Boys’ Nation Senators and I stood in awe of the patriotic spectacle. Far too many people in my generation take for granted the freedoms for which the names on the war memorials gave their lives. Seeing the legionnaires' admiration for the United States and their reactions to other things such as the Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem, and National Monuments was unequivocally inspirational. It made me realize the grandeur of the freedoms that we have as Americans and my immense appreciation for the veterans who have fought for the preservation of those freedoms.
Boys’ Nation gave me an opportunity to escape the shallow political issues that often pervade the ideology of those my age. It helped me realize that the reason we, as Americans, can be so nit-picky politically is because of the inexhaustible freedoms that were given to us by our forefathers, and preserved for us by our veterans; both of whom I can never thank enough.
Be sure to enjoy and cherish every moment of this week, for it is one that you will remember for the rest of your lives.

Trevor Paul - 2008 Citizen
Boys Nation Illinois Senator
Model Citizen Scholarship Winner
2009 Assistant Counselor
Godfrey, IL
East Alton Wood River HS