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Sparks fly as Boys Town celebrates its 90th Anniversary.
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Cheers, Sparks Fly as Boys Town Celebrates 90 Years
With sparks flying and cheers filling the air, Boys Town celebrated its 90th anniversary with the children living Father Flanagan's dream.
Kids, families, staff, donors and distinguished guests helped the organization commemorate the occasion in celebrations across the United States. From California to Rhode Island, thousands helped ring in the day Father Flanagan first made a home for children in his heart.
At the village of Boys Town, employees and children gathered at the Palrang Field House, buzzing with excitement. Greeted by the Voices of Boys Town, all attendees were ushered to their seats by AJROTC students as Christmas carols echoed in the gym.
A hush fell over the large crowd as Boys Town mayor Jordan Ridder welcomed everyone to the celebration and invited Father Boes to take the microphone. He discussed the importance of this milestone in Boys Town history as a continued commitment to America's children and families.
"As we celebrate our 90th birthday, instead of blowing out candles, I ask you to light one in your heart, to let the glow of Father Flanagan's love shine there first," said Father Boes. "Then, I ask you to let that light shine in the life of a child. Together, we can become America's beacon of healing and hope, strengthening children and families through life-changing care."
Boys Town Historian Tom Lynch provided the audience with the story of how Father Flanagan's dream all began, with only $90 he borrowed from his friend, a Jewish businessman named Henry Monsky. Lynch then invited Boys Town youth to read some of Father Flanagan's most influential quotes, including his famous words, "The work will continue, you see, because it is God's work, not mine."
With that, an enormous 8-foot birthday cake was wheeled into the auditorium, with sparks shooting 10 feet into the air. On it the words, "Happy 90th Anniversary" and an image of Father Flanagan. The image was of a portrait recently unveiled to celebrate the Home's historic day.
Then with pomp and circumstance flying, Father Boes unveiled a new brand for the home. Pulling a cord, the banner unfurled to the cheers of a very excited crowd.
"Just as our previous brand helped teach America that we care for girls, we now need to communicate to America that we care for families," said Father Boes. "Building upon Father Flanagan's original name for his work and on the 'two brothers' image. This new identity will help us move forward in our care for children and families."
The crowd enjoyed cake and left the auditorium wearing new shirts revealing the Home's new brand, one dedicated to Saving Children and Healing Families.