Public Relations Director - American Legion Boys State of Kansas
American Legion Boys State of Kansas is going on this week at Kansas State University in Manhattan.
At 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, at the World War II Memorial in front of McCain Auditorium, Kansas Boys State will host a flag retirement ceremony. The event is an observance of the proper respect for the American flag and how unserviceable flags are properly disposed.
The honor guard from American Legion Pearce-Keller Post No.17 in Manhattan will present the ceremony. Dr. John Lindholm, a 1949 KSU graduate who provided the dog tags as a model for the “Tags of Honor” sculpture at the Memorial, was a longtime Kansas Boys State staff member as a Legionnaire advisor before passing away in January 2020.
Prior to the ceremony at approximately 7:15 p.m., will be the traditional pass-in-review in front of Anderson Hall (east side). Officials from the American Legion Department of Kansas and other Legion members will participate in this military tradition where troops (in this case, Kansas Boys State delegates) march past reviewing officials, allowing them to inspect the unit’s readiness and discipline. It’s a ceremonial event showcasing pride and mutual respect between troops and their leader
Following the flag retirement ceremony, the KBS evening ceremonies will be held in McCain Auditorium starting at approximately 8 p.m. Highlights include an address by the newly elected 2026 Kansas Boys State governor. In addition, dignitaries from the American Legion Department of Kansas will be introduced, followed by the annual KBS band, chorus and talent show