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Boys Nation senators shake hands with President Obama
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As the buses transporting members of The American Legion’s Boys Nation program arrived at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., in Washington, D.C., the 98 delegates cheered. They could hardly contain their excitement as they filed off the buses and lined up outside of the White House on July 20.
While patiently waiting to meet the commander in chief, the boys shared their excitement and talked about what they might possibly say to President Barack Obama if they had the opportunity to speak with him. Their excitement turned into a mixture of nervousness and anxiety as they made their way through security checkpoints.
“I was anxious while we went through security – I mean, it is the home of the most powerful man on earth,” said Christopher Govin of Roswell, Ga.
Once inside the White House, the young men had the opportunity to tour several rooms.
“The inside of the White House was much different than what I expected; I felt like a kid in a candy store,” said David Emery of Medina, Ohio. “It looks much different than it does on TV, but the rooms were very cool.”
The tour concluded in the West Wing where the delegates and staff waited patiently for the president. The sound of thunderous applause filled the room as Obama entered.
Immediately connecting with the 2015 Boys Nation delegates, Obama took a few minutes to address the group, thanking the Legionnaires for their continued efforts as advocates for fellow veterans and stewards of educational opportunities for the youth. Everyone in the room beamed from ear to ear as his inspiring words touched the young men and staff.
“I like that the president really values veterans,” Govin said.
Speaking directly to the Boys Nation delegates, Obama shared his expectations with the hope that the boys would want to become future outstanding leaders of this great nation. He urged the boys to participate in the democracy of the country even if they do not decide to play a more active role in politics or government.
Piggybacking off the president’s comments, Emery said he agreed with Obama. “We are all Americans. No matter what professions we all go into, we all have the duty of civil service to our country,” he said.
Following his remarks, Obama took the time to shake hands with all 98 delegates and the 32 staff members on hand.
The high school students were not the only ones that were excited to meet the president.
“I get excited every time I’m there as if it was the first time we met,” said Andrew Behnkendorf, a Boys Nation alum and counselor who has made several visits to the White House with the program. He went on to talk about how his favorite part of the trip included the boys’ reactions to meeting the president.
The delegates said they left with a renewed passion for government and bragging rights, but not before they sang “Happy Birthday” to Obama.
With the memory of shaking the president’s hand fresh on their minds, the delegates returned back to their party meetings fired up, ready to continue the great work they have accomplished over the past few days.