For the 13th year in a row, Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum will host the Military Order of the World Wars’ (MOWW) Youth Leadership Conference (YLC). The conference, scheduled for June 19-22 aboard the USS YORKTOWN, brings together students from the Southeast to expand their knowledge of patriotism, the Constitution and free enterprise. This year, there will be 76 attendees representing 46 schools from Baton Rouge, LA; Augusta, Atlanta, and Savannah, GA; Charleston, Columbia, Georgetown, Hilton Head; and Summerville, SC. All participants are class and/or JROTC leaders – rising high school juniors and seniors.
Past conferences have featured military leaders, including Medal of Honor Recipient MG James E. Livingston, USA (Ret); Col. Quincy Collins, USAF (Ret), a survivor of seven and one-half years in captivity during the Vietnam War; and LtCol Phil Woody, USMC (Ret), who was injured during the 1983 Marine Barracks bombing in Lebanon. Each luminary shared the challenges they faced and provided students with a greater understanding of what it means to be a leader, particularly during difficult times. This year, MG Livingston and LtCol Woody will again address the participants, as well as Lowcountry leaders including RADM Robert Besal, USN (Ret) and Sheriff Al Canon.
In addition, throughout the conference, attendees learn about the U.S. Flag, what it symbolizes, how to display it, and its proper care and disposal. Students also learn and use Roberts Rules of Order in debates on current issues affecting the U.S. and participate in classes about the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, and responsible citizenship. In addition, students participate in communications classes, and make oral and written presentations.
“Part of our mission at Patriots Point is to provide tomorrow’s leaders with a foundation in patriotism and a thorough understanding of our nation’s rich military history,” said Executive Director Mac Burdette. “The USS YORKTOWN, which saw action during WWII and Vietnam and is home to the Congressional Medal of Honor Museum, is an ideal location for the Youth Leadership Conference. We are proud to host these students each year.”