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Honoring Our Heroes: A Tribute to Veterans at Machpelah Cemetery

On Saturday, June 7, at 4:30 p.m., members of the American Legion Mountaineer Boys State Staff gathered at Machpelah Cemetery to honor the brave men and women who served our nation. Through the Flying Flags for Heroes initiative hosted by the Sons of The American Legion Detachment of West Virginia, attendees reaffirmed their commitment to preserving the legacy of veterans by placing flags upon their graves—a solemn act of remembrance ensuring their sacrifice was never forgotten.

A Moment of Reflection

The evening commenced with a heartfelt moment of prayer, invoking God’s mercy upon those who had faithfully served their country. This solemn reflection set the tone for the gathering, as participants paused to acknowledge the sacrifices made by generations of veterans.

The Flying Flags for Heroes Initiative

Launched in April 2020 by Past National Commander Michael Fox, the Flying Flags for Heroes program was founded to ensure that all veterans—whether laid to rest in national or local cemeteries—received due recognition for their service. Partnering with Preston Sharp, a passionate advocate for honoring veterans, the program quickly gained momentum. In 2022, The Sons of The American Legion officially adopted Flying Flags for Heroes as an ongoing initiative, reinforcing their dedication to instilling patriotism and respect for those who served.

Since its inception, the program had placed over 1.3 million flags on veterans’ graves across the country. This effort not only paid tribute to fallen heroes but also fostered civic responsibility, engaging younger generations in the tradition of remembrance. The Sons of The American Legion continued to expand the initiative, inspiring individuals to recognize veterans’ contributions year-round—not just on designated holidays.

Honoring West Virginia’s Military Legacy

West Virginia held a rich tradition of military service, and many prominent figures in the state’s history were laid to rest in Machpelah Cemetery. Among them was Colonel Jackson Arnold, a grand-nephew of General Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson. Arnold had been appointed by Governor John Jacob Cornwell as the first superintendent of the newly established Department of Public Safety, now known as the West Virginia State Police. His contributions to both state security and The American Legion Department of West Virginia, where he served as the first State Commander, were deeply respected.

Another distinguished veteran resting there was Louis Bennett, Jr., a fighter pilot in World War I. A true ace, Bennett flew with the British Royal Flying Corps in 1918 and demonstrated exceptional skill, downing three enemy planes and nine balloons in just nine days. Tragically, Bennett was shot down on August 24, 1918 and succumbed to his injuries, but his legacy endured throughout Weston—from the public library dedicated in his honor to the airstrip at Jackson’s Mill. His valor continued to inspire generations.

The Tribute Ceremony

As part of the evening’s commemoration, the honor guard presented a ceremonial three-volley salute, followed by Taps, a solemn farewell to those who had served. This act of respect solidified the community’s unwavering commitment to remembering and honoring veterans.

Through initiatives like Flying Flags for Heroes, the community ensured that the sacrifices of the nation’s heroes remained a cornerstone of collective memory. Over 150 Veterans were honored as part of the ceremony.

Thank you to all who joined ALMBS in this meaningful tribute. Your participation strengthened the bonds of respect, patriotism, and appreciation for our veterans—now and always.

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Senator Joe Manchin: Keynote Speaker at ALMBS Graduation – A Celebration of Leadership, Learning, and Achievement

We are thrilled to that Senator Joe Manchin will be the keynote speaker at the American Legion Mountaineer Boys State (ALMBS) graduation ceremony! As a dedicated public servant and a proud West Virginian, Senator Manchin’s inspiring journey from businessman to governor to U.S. senator embodies the spirit of leadership and civic responsibility we strive to instill in our Boys State citizens. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of our state’s most influential leaders. Join us for an unforgettable morning of celebration and inspiration!

Joseph “Joe” Manchin III, born on August 24, 1947, is an American politician and businessman who has been serving as the senior United States senator from West Virginia since 2010. Prior to his tenure in the Senate, Manchin was the 34th governor of West Virginia from 2005 to 2010 and the 27th secretary of state of West Virginia from 2001 to 2005. Before entering politics, Manchin was involved in his family’s business and managed a coal brokerage company.

The graduation ceremony marks the culmination of a week-long journey of learning, leadership, and camaraderie. It’s a time to reflect on the experiences gained, the friendships made, and the lessons learned. It’s also a time to recognize the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our ALMBS citizens.

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Spotlight on Talent: The West Fork River Revue at Boys State

Get ready for an evening of talent and entertainment at the American Legion Mountaineer Boys State program with the much-anticipated “Boys State Got Talent” show! This year, we’re thrilled to introduce the “West Fork River Revue,” a showcase of the incredible talents of our ALMBS citizens. From singing and dancing to comedy and magic, the West Fork River Revue is a annual celebration of the diverse skills and creativity within our Boys State community. Don’t miss out on this exciting event that promises to be a highlight of the program! Let’s cheer on our fellow citizens as they take the stage and share their unique talents with us all.

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The Four Chaplains: A Tale of Heroism and Sacrifice and Edward Jones: Guiding Your Financial Journey

Edward Jones is a leading investment firm that was founded in 19221. The firm specializes in providing personalized financial solutions for individual investors. With a disciplined, established process that centers on its clients, Edward Jones offers a wide variety of investments, including certificates of deposit, bonds, stocks, and mutual funds. The firm operates more than 15,000 branch offices throughout North America, making it the brokerage firm with the most branch offices in the United States. Edward Jones is known for its long-term investment philosophy and its commitment to helping clients achieve their financial goals.

The Four Chaplains, also known as the Immortal Chaplains or the Dorchester Chaplains, were four chaplains who made the ultimate sacrifice while rescuing civilian and military personnel as the American troop ship SS Dorchester sank on February 3, 1943. The chaplains, George L. Fox, Alexander D. Goode, Clark V. Poling, and John P. Washington, came from different faiths – Methodist, Jewish, Reformed Church in America, and Roman Catholic respectively. When the ship was torpedoed by a German submarine, they helped other soldiers board lifeboats and gave up their own life jackets when the supply ran out. They joined arms, said prayers, and sang hymns as they went down with the ship. Their selfless act of courage and unity is remembered as one of the most heroic stories of World War II.

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An Evening Tribute: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Boys State

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, is a historic monument dedicated to U.S. service members whose remains have not been identified. It serves as a symbol of honor and respect for the sacrifices made by these soldiers. In a special ceremony this evening at the American Legion Mountaineer Boys State program, a replica of this revered monument will be on display. This replica serves as a poignant reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of the unknown soldiers, bringing the spirit of this national monument closer to the citizens of Boys State.

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Formal Review: A Tradition of Excellence and Achievement

Please join us for the Formal Review, a prestigious event that marks a significant milestone in our program. The ceremony will commence promptly at 6:30 PM on Saturday, at the main parade field. Parents/guardians/guests are requested to arrive no later than 6:00 PM for pre-ceremony preparations. This will be a moment to reflect on our achievements and celebrate the traditions that bind us. We look forward to honoring the dedication and hard work of all involved in the presence of our esteemed guests and leaders.

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Swearing-In of Tomorrow’s Leaders: The Inaugural Ceremony with Judge Michael Aloi

We are pleased to announce the inauguration of the newly elected government officials of Boys State, to be installed by the Honorable Judge Michael John Aloi. This momentous ceremony marks the beginning of a new chapter in leadership and civic responsibility. Judge Aloi, with his esteemed legal background and dedication to justice, will preside over the installation, symbolizing the commitment to law and order that defines our democratic process. We invite you to witness the embodiment of our values and the promise of our future as these young leaders take their oaths and step into their roles to serve and lead with integrity.

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Jerry West: The Mountaineer Boys State Alum Who Became Mr. Clutch

Jerry West, the legendary figure whose silhouette defines the NBA logo, left an indelible mark on basketball and on the hearts of those at Mountaineer Boys State. West, who attended the program in 1955 as a Nationalist in Gilmer cottage, passed away today, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and inspiration.

In his memoir, West recounts the pivotal summer of ’55, when he returned from Boys State to meet Fred Schaus, West Virginia’s coach, who would be the first to recruit him. It was at Boys State, held at Jackson’s Mill, where he met Willie Akers, forming a friendship and a competitive bond that would last a lifetime. West’s performance at Boys State not only showcased his athletic prowess but also instilled in him a newfound self-confidence and a sense of belonging.

His time at Boys State was a precursor to his storied career, from his heroic plays at West Virginia University to his enduring legacy with the Los Angeles Lakers. West’s journey from the courts of Morgantown to the glitz of Los Angeles was marked by the same determination and humility he carried from his days at Boys State.

West’s commitment to nurturing young talent, whether at fantasy camps or through mentoring, mirrored the values he cherished from Boys State—self-improvement and the pursuit of dreams. His departure to Los Angeles in 1960 may have been his third from home, but it was his time at Boys State that laid the foundation for a lifetime of achievements.

As we remember Jerry West, we celebrate not just a basketball icon, but a Mountaineer who exemplified the spirit of Boys State—leadership, community, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Rest in peace, Jerry West, the “Men of Tomorrow” will continue to be inspired by your story.

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Mac Warner: Champion of Election Integrity and Visionary Leader

Andrew McCoy “Mac” Warner, serving as West Virginia’s Secretary of State since 2017, is a West Point graduate and a veteran of the U.S. Army JAG Corps. With a law degree from West Virginia University and an LL.M. in International Law, Warner has dedicated his career to upholding democratic principles and election integrity. His tenure has been marked by efforts to enhance election cybersecurity, reflecting his commitment to secure and fair electoral processes. A family man with deep West Virginian roots, Warner is also known for his advocacy for conservative values.

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