Remember when Bill Clinton was running for president and this picture went public of him as a teenager, shaking hands with President John Kennedy?

Well, that was during an annual event called Boys Nation. It was (and still is) sponsored by the American Legion. My dad attended the very first gathering back in August of 1946.

Dad also shook the president’s hand, as is tradition during the week-long convention for future leaders from every state. Only his presidential handshake was with Harry S. Truman.

According to the American Legion’s website, Boys State came about “in 1935 to counter the socialism-inspired Young Pioneer Camps.”

Boys State was eventually adopted in nearly every state, with the first national gathering – Boys Nation – held after World War II came to a close.

Let’s start with Boys State.

The fifth annual Nutmeg Boys State was held at the University of Connecticut Storrs during the week of June 23, 1946. (Connecticut is the Nutmeg State.) The lads from throughout the state divided into two faux political parties (the Nationalists and the Federalists) and held campaigns for governor and more.

Dad was the campaign manager for the fellow who won the election to become governor. Federalist Walter Skopek took the most votes while Dad was voted “Best All Around Boy Stater.”

In talking this through with Dad, it bugged him a bit that he couldn’t remember where they bunked while in D.C. He eventually recalled it was a Navy barracks. Thanks to another Hartford Courant article, I found the specifics: Wave Barracks “D” at Massachusetts and Nebraska Avenues. The various forums were held at American University.

There were lots of tours planned for Boys Nation. Dad remembers meeting a Supreme Court Justice. Climbing the steps to the Supreme Court Building on that summer day, Dad’s blue eyes couldn’t handle the bright reflection from the nearly-new building, with its many white-marble statues and columns. So Dad ascended the steps with his eyes closed. Once inside, he met Justice Hugo Black in chambers.

Meeting President Truman was a thrill.

Here’s the AP Wire Photo sent out after the event.

Next, each delegate met President Truman and shook his hand. What does Dad remember about that moment? “His hand was … so soft.” Dad expected a leathery, rough-hewn grip from “Give ’em Hell, Harry.”

We’re pretty sure this is Dad, in the middle of this crop. It’s the hair.

One other memory from the first Boys Nation: the fellas revolted!

Their busy schedule included yet another election. But the guys were not crazy about spending all their time politicking and competing when they could be learning together about the nation’s capital and how the federal government was run.

Dad, who was one of the main rebels, says the adult leadership wasn’t thrilled with the group’s decision, but respected their wishes. Well, all except Senator Tom Connally from Texas, who chided them that the two-party system was the only way to go.

Fast forward six decades and our John was invited to Boys State here in Indiana. Hearing his grandfather’s favorable memories, he decided to give it a try. Unfortunately, a shift toward a more militaristic gathering was not a good fit for John. He elected to leave a bit early.

Dad’s support of John’s decision meant a lot to us; he was disappointed that the program had changed so much over the years. It’s too bad the ol’ rabble-rouser wasn’t able to join John. They could have stirred up some good old-fashioned trouble and made a difference in the state of Boys State!

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