Americanism is one of the Four Pillars of the American Legion. The John E. Jacobs American Legion Post 68 Leland promotes the Americanism Pillar through its ongoing support of the North Brunswick High School JROTC program, annual Oratorical Contest, and support of the Boys State and Girls State programs. Dale Todd, Post 68 Parliamentarian, is also the Post’s Americanism Chair.
Boys State and Girls State (sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary) programs are designed and conducted to provide competitively selected high school juniors with an opportunity to learn about the political process. Students learn about responsible citizenship, leadership, and government during the weeklong program. Assigned to mock cities and either the “Federalist Party” or “Nationalist Party,” they operate at all city and state government levels and actively run a mock government. In doing so, they learn how to build coalitions, navigate disagreements, and think independently.
In 2024, Post 68 was able to send four North Brunswick High School students to participate in Boys State and Girls State – Valeria Alvarado, Ian Beattie, Addison Fleischhauer, and Anthony Everett (pictured L-R above with Dale Todd and Dr. Steven A Baker, COL (R). Each participant holds a cadet leadership position in the North Brunswick High School JROTC. Boys State was held from June 9th through the 15th at Catawba College, Salisbury, NC. Girls State was held at Campbell University, Buies Creek, NC, from June 16th through the 22nd.
At its meeting on September 19th, Post members heard from the participants about their experiences. Dr. Steven A Baker, COL (R) – JROTC Senior Army Instructor and Head Lacrosse Coach, North Brunswick High School, accompanied and introduced the cadets to the audience. Each participant acknowledged that they quickly overcame their initial trepidation about attending the week-long event and learned more than expected concerning their civic duties as responsible citizens and future leaders.
The John E. Jacobs American Legion Post 68 Leland meets at 6 pm every third Thursday in the Blossoms Restaurant Banquet Room (1800 Tommie Jacobs Drive, Leland, NC). For those who want to participate, members gather at 4:30 pm in Blossoms Restaurant for dinner and a social hour preceding the meeting. To learn more about how veterans can join our organization or what we bring to our veterans and community, visit https://ncpost68.org/. PLEASE NOTE: Due to a scheduling conflict with Blossoms, the October Post 68 meeting will be held on October 10th and NOT on October 17th at its normal meeting time.