Neil Armstrong, At Age 16, Writes His Parents From a Leadership Academy, Demonstrating at a Very Early An Interest in Public Service and Duty
Acquired directly from the Armstrong family and never before offered for sale. It is by far the earliest autograph of Neil Armstrong to reach the market
Boys State and Girls State are summer leadership and citizenship programs sponsored by The American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary for high school juniors. Boys and Girls are usually nominated by their high school during their junior year. Boys and Girls State programs both began in 1936-1937 and are held in...
Boys State and Girls State are summer leadership and citizenship programs sponsored by The American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary for high school juniors. Boys and Girls are usually nominated by their high school during their junior year. Boys and Girls State programs both began in 1936-1937 and are held in each of the U.S. states. Each state’s program varies, but in general program participants are divided into subgroups referred to as cities. The citizens of each of these cities elect mock municipal officials and representatives to the mock state legislature. Many programs also have a county level as well. The participants also elect state officials, such as governor, lieutenant governor, and other state-level officials mirroring their actual State.
Buckeye (Ohio) Boys State is #1 in the Nation with the largest program in the country, having over 1,450 representatives annually.
In 1946, Neil’s teachers nominated him for admission to the Buckeye program, and he was accepted. It was his first stint in public service, mock or otherwise, and perhaps played a role in future decisions.
Autograph letter signed, on Buckeye Boys State Inc, Oxford, OH letterhead, June 17, 1946, to his parents.
“Dear Mom, Dad and Kids, Am fine. Have been plenty busy in the short time we have been here. There are 2 ficticious parties here (Nationalist and Federalist) of which I am a member of the former. The state is composed of 5 counties (fictitious names) in which 4 towns are in each. This place is just like a real government – campaigning and all. I am running for Prosecuting Attorney of Cole County.
“So far everything is swell. A boy from Laudenville and myself share a room in the “Pines” Dormitory. There is a pair of twin beds, a swell dresser, a table on which to study, a closet and a private bath (which is really nice). The food is swell and plenty of it. Will write again. Sincerely, Neil”
With the original envelope and his campaign card, which reads “Neil Armstrong for Prosecuting Attorney; Nationalist; Your Vote Sincerely Appreciated; Cole County.”
Acquired directly from the Armstrong family and never before offered for sale. It is by far the earliest autograph of Neil Armstrong to reach the market.
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