Wake Forest - Court of Appeals Judge K. Edward Greene spoke to about 300 young men on the responsibilities as a citizen and the role of judges and the courts in government. The 62nd session of the American Legion Tar Heel Boys' State Program was held on Flag Day, June 14, at Wake Chapel.
The Tar Heel Boys State invited Judge Green as part of their summertime learning experience on how government operates. The instruction is designed to supplement the information taught in high school civics classes and to impress upon young citizens that government is just what they make it.
Judge Green told the young men that in order for government to survive and freedom to thrive that they needed to get involved in their community and be a good citizen. The judge explained how judges are elected and where the law comes from. He said the reason he became a lawyer and then a judge was his commitment to public service, to use his talents to give back to society and make a difference in people's lives.
Boys State was founded by the American Legion and teaches selected rising high school seniors that this country's government is good, but that its preservation depends on intelligent, informed, and loyal citizens in combination with an honest and impartial administration of government activities. The program gives students a working knowledge of the structure of government.
Objectives of the American Legion include:
• Developing civic leadership and pride in American citizenship.
• Developing a keen interest in the detailed study of our government.
• Developing a full understanding of the American traditions.
• Developing a determination to maintain the American form of democracy.
The American Legion believes that by teaching youth to understand and appreciate the basic principles involved in the successful management of a democratic society, America will remain strong and freedom for future generations will be ensured. |
Judge Greene with The Tar Heel Boys State
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The Tar Heel Boys State program is fashioned after the government structure of the state of North Carolina. Political offices and agencies that serve the people of North Carolina also exist. The seven-day program operates under a two-party system with instruction provided in the organization and operation of political parties at different levels of state government. Enrollment in the program varies from 450 to 500 young men.
Upon arrival at Tar Heel Boys State, the citizens are assigned to one of two political parties, the "Nationalists" or the "Federalists." The two parties are in no way reflections of the two major political parties in American government, but are established to allow instruction and participation in the two-party system of government. |
