BTNAA Gives Back...
Over the years the BTNAA has made contributions to Boys Town in the form of financial gifts and improvements to the campus. Some of these are:
The Father Flanagan Statue
The bronze life-sized Father Flanagan Statue commissioned in 2000 and sculpted by Nebraska sculptor, Fred Hoppe. Two statues were created; one was placed at the Father Flanagan Museum in Ballymoe, Ireland and one in front of the Flanagan House Museum on the Boys Town Campus. Within the pedestal at the statue at Father Flanagan's house is a time capsule with memories, photos and artifacts from the date of dedication. The BTNAA raised more than $50,000 through the sale of miniature Father Flanagan statues to pay for this project.
Alumni Veteran's Memorial
The Alumni Veterans Memorial, located in a place of honor at the head of Heroes Boulevard, stands as a reminder of the selfless sacrifice and sense of service to our nation of Boys Town Alumni over the history of our home. The first phase of the memorial, dedicated in 1991, is a massive bronze panel depicting the emblems of each of our armed services and the Merchant Marine and Coast Guard. The famous quote of President John Kennedy, "...ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country." is emblazoned across the front of the memorial challenging all alumni to seek service to others.
An expansion was made to the memorial in 2011 with the addition of a granite wall (made from granite slabs that were once porch slabs around the campus) with bronze plaques affixed to them to recognize and honor Boys Town alumni who were killed in action or died while serving in uniform. In 2019 the Village of Boys Town was named a Purple Heart Community and added to the National Purple Heart Trail during a dedication ceremony at the 34th Biennial Alumni Family Reunion. In addition, the BTNAA raised funds to build a fitting stone monument sign to display the Purple Heart C
ommunity Bronze plaque to all who visit Boys Town. There are more than 160 names inscribed on bronze plates that honor our fallen alumni. To date, the Veterans Memorial projects represent over $72,000 in contributions by our alumni through individual gifts and support from veteran's organizations in Nebraska and throughout the country.
ommunity Bronze plaque to all who visit Boys Town. There are more than 160 names inscribed on bronze plates that honor our fallen alumni. To date, the Veterans Memorial projects represent over $72,000 in contributions by our alumni through individual gifts and support from veteran's organizations in Nebraska and throughout the country.
BTNAA History...
The Boys Town Alumni Association was a dream of Father Flanagan's that didn't come to fruition until three years after his death.
On June 4, 1951, 39 Boys Tow