By Jennifer Donovan
Students from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C., for ALA Girls Nation in July. The rising high school seniors had the opportunity to form a mock government and experience our nation’s capital.
This year’s session was an American Legion Family affair, including more joint events between ALA Girls Nation and American Legion Boys Nation. A highlight for both groups — an invitation to the White House. The senators were able to take the White House tour and enjoy activities on the White House lawn alongside NCAA athletes who were being honored.
And new this year: Both groups were together at the wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. Two senators each from ALA Girls Nation and American Legion Boys Nation were chosen to take part in this annual tradition. The senators were also together for Twilight Tattoo and Capitol Hill day.
A lot of work was accomplished in their senate sessions — with 10 bills passed. Some of the bills passed included: Deceitful Artificial Intelligence (AI) Practices Act, Eviction Transperancy Act, Regulate AI and Deep-Fake Technology Act, and Caffeine Consumer Protection Act. You can read more about those bills in the November issue of Auxiliary magazine.
Senators heard from several guest speakers during this year’s ALA Girls Nation, including American Legion National Commander Daniel J. Seehafer, Sons of The American Legion National Commander Donald L. “JR” Hall Jr., West Point Superintendent Lt. Gen. Steve Gilland, Melissa Comeau from the American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network (MVCN), and Mike Seifer from American Red Cross International Humanitarian Law. The senators also participated in a service project with MVCN by creating comfort bags for caregivers.
Five senators received a special surprise during commencement when scholarships were presented to:
In the spirit of Service, Not Self, the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support The American Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad. For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security.
