Big Picture: Boys Town, U.S.A.
Channel: PublicResourceOrg
Date: 2010-09-17

Big Picture: Boys Town, U.S.A. - National Archives and Records Administration   - ARC Identifier 2569615 / Local Identifier 111-TV-346 - DVD Copied by Katie Filbert. THE BIG PICTURE visits Boys Town, U.S.A. for story of young soldiers -- The U.S. Army's weekly TV program, THE BIG PICTURE moves its cameras and microphones to Boys Town, Nebraska, just outside of Omaha, to bring viewers the story of how our Army made it possible for young men of draft-age to prepare for their military obligations.  The TV program will originate direct from the unique Nebraska landmark, founded by the late Father Edward J. Flanagan, and will describe participation of the youngsters in the Army's Reserve Program.  Youngsters at Boys Town have joined the 353rd MP Company, organized under the provisions of the Reserve Forces Act of 1955. Many of the boys signed up for the new military program, whereby they are on active duty for 6 months, and spend a total of 7 1/2  years in the Reserves. Features of the plan allow the youths to complete their educations at Boys Town High School before being called to 6 months active duty. The men are draft exempt by joining the Reserves.  Viewers will accompany the special Boys Town "Company," the 353rd, as it performs its annual two-week summer training program. This year, the Men of Boys Town traveled with the Army to Ft. Carson, Colorado, where they received basic field training in military subjects.  Rev. Edmond Walsh, commenting on the unique relationship between the Army and Boys Town, says: "We feel the military reserve program affords our boys an excellent opportunity to take on new responsibilities."