Henry Bargmann, center, shared his experiences at the 2026 American Legion Missouri Boys State session — the program’s 86th — with American Legion Post 501 in Weston on Oct. 27. The session was held this summer at Lindenwood University in eastern Missouri, with Post 501 as a sponsor.

Bargmann served as a local government executive in the civics-oriented program. He plans to serve as a counselor for the 87th session this summer, which is for high school juniors entering their senior year. He said he met many motivated and talented young men and that the simulated legislative sessions and educational seminars kept him interested. He enthusiastically recommends the program.

Two veterans who attended the meeting, Don Schlomer, right, and Norman Stubbendeck, left, both of Platte City, recently returned from an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. They spoke about the warm welcome they received at Kansas City International Airport when they returned. Schlomer and Stubbendeck said the patriotic welcome moved them, especially in contrast with the less favorable reception veterans received in the late 1960s and early 1970s amid controversy surrounding the Vietnam War. They encourage veterans to apply for an Honor Flight through their American Legion post or another veterans organization.