President Barack Obama greets and takes a group photo with the American Legion's Boys Nation and their mentors in the East Room of the White House during their visit, July 26, 2011.

The last day for the boys started with the last senate session which also was streamed live.  Once finished the group headed off campus for one more trip.  The destination was the American History Museum and the WWII Memorial.A wonderful final dinner was enjoyed by all followed by a stirring graduation ceremony.  Boys Nation comes to an end but the result was making new great friends, having a wonderful time, and knowing without a doubt it had been a week that indeeds shapes a lifetime.

Today the senators headed to Capitol Hill for "Hill Day".  This is the day they meet their respective state senators.  Joining them for this experience were the delegates from Girls Nation.

Evening brought a special speaker and wonderful treat for the senators.  Holocaust survivor Nesse Goden shared her story to an audience riveted to her every word. After taking questions, Nesse spent time with the boys taking photos and just enjoying their company.

Wednesday dawned with the senators gathering for flag raising and then the short walk to the auditorium for the Inauguration of President Michael Herbert and Vice President Benjamin Attia by the Honorable Alan Lance.

From there the President made his cabinet appointments and the rest of the day the senators met in their respective senate committees.  The evening program was the very popular Alumni Night with returning Boys Nation Alumni, Michael Lang, Maj. Sean Morrow, Dan Webber, and Joel Leftwich prior to the senators return for an additional senate session rounding out the day.

It made little difference the 98 delegates stood in the hot July sun along the sidewalk waiting their turn to go through security to enter the White House.  They were excited as they were to meet the President of the United States.

It was a long wait, but when it was over, they were rewarded with a photo session with President Obama, his encouraging words and hearty handshakes for all.  The afternoon brought the first live webcast as the Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates debated.  After a short break allowing for dinner, the delegates once again convened where the all important vote was cast to elect these positions.  With another live session webcast, Michael Herbert of Arvada, Colorado was elected President and Benjamin Attia of Hockessin, Delaware was elected Vice President.

Monday dawned with preparations to head off campus once again, this time to Arlington National Cemetery.  The weather was humid and warm even in the early morning hours, yet the excited delegates selected to participate in the wreath laying, Luke Hudson, Indiana and Caspar Adrian of Kentucky, would hardly feel the warm temperatures. 

Upon returning to campus, the rest of the day was devoted to party conventions that ended with the presidential and vice presidential candidates determined.

Nationalist Party:Presidential Candidate: Preston Moore II, GeorgiaVice Presidential Candidate: Benjamin Attia, Deleware

Federalist Party:Presidential Candidate: Michael Herbert, ColoradoVice Presidential Candidate: Jordan Jentz, Texas 

Sunday dawned with early morning flag raising and then the delegates attended the Memorial service. National Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Seehafer spoke.

Senate sessions and committee meetings filled the afternoon until it was time to leave for the Greenbelt American Legion Post for a wonderful dinner and evening program. National commander, Jimmie Foster joined the Boys Nation delegates, spoke and took questions.

After an inspiring evening at Greenbelt the delegates headed downtown to the National Mall for an early evening walk to view the variety of memorials in the area.

The day begins early at Boys Nation with breakfast at 7:00 AM following close behind with the morning flag raising.  The first day of the program is no exception.Immediately following the delegates met for orientation where they were introduced to staff and learned more about their upcoming week from Program Director, Michael Buss.  The oath of office was then administered by American Legion Legislative Director, Tim Tetz.As the morning sped by, the first legislative assembly took place.  The afternoon was filled with party conventions and senate committees.

The delegates arrive from across the nation to begin their week of adventure at Boys Nation.The Washington D.C. weather was hot as was the rest of the country, but that didn't damper any of the excitement evident in the boys' eyes.

The delegates initially signed in, received their room keys and Boys Nation polo shirts before heading to their assigned dorm rooms to drop off luggage.  Soon they had the opportunity for their first meal at Marymount University and then it was off for their first section meetings followed by an ice cream social mixer.