Father Edward J. Flanagan is a familiar name to many Americans, especially those in Nebraska. Often, this is because of the Oscar-winning 1938 film “Boys Town” starring Spencer Tracy about Flanagan's groundbreaking child welfare organization, Boys Town, located in Omaha. But Father Flanagan's story and legacy extend far beyond that. Flanagan gained influence and admiration over the course of his life from presidents, CEOs and celebrities, but none mattered more to him than that of the children he served. World War II was a sobering reminder of this, as Flanagan saw droves of former Boys Town citizens go off to war, with so many of them naming Father Flanagan as their next of kin that he was named America's No. 1 War Dad. Father Flanagan was a hero for his times, and for ours, too: his approach to child welfare remains a top influence in the field, and his frequent outspokenness against injustice showed he was always willing to tell the truth, regardless of risk.

Father Edward J. Flanagan is a familiar name to many Americans, especially those in Nebraska. Often, this is because of the Oscar-winning 1938 film “Boys Town” starring Spencer Tracy about Flanagan's groundbreaking child welfare organization, Boys Town, located in Omaha. But Father Flanagan's story and legacy extend far beyond that. Flanagan gained influence and admiration over the course of his life from presidents, CEOs and celebrities, but none mattered more to him than that of the children he served. World War II was a sobering reminder of this, as Flanagan saw droves of former Boys Town citizens go off to war, with so many of them naming Father Flanagan as their next of kin that he was named America's No. 1 War Dad. Father Flanagan was a hero for his times, and for ours, too: his approach to child welfare remains a top influence in the field, and his frequent outspokenness against injustice showed he was always willing to tell the truth, regardless of risk.

Father Edward J. Flanagan is a familiar name to many Americans, especially those in Nebraska. Often, this is because of the Oscar-winning 1938 film “Boys Town” starring Spencer Tracy about Flanagan's groundbreaking child welfare organization, Boys Town, located in Omaha. But Father Flanagan's story and legacy extend far beyond that. Flanagan gained influence and admiration over the course of his life from presidents, CEOs and celebrities, but none mattered more to him than that of the children he served. World War II was a sobering reminder of this, as Flanagan saw droves of former Boys Town citizens go off to war, with so many of them naming Father Flanagan as their next of kin that he was named America's No. 1 War Dad. Father Flanagan was a hero for his times, and for ours, too: his approach to child welfare remains a top influence in the field, and his frequent outspokenness against injustice showed he was always willing to tell the truth, regardless of risk.