98 years ago on February 14, 1912, Arizona became the 48th state, the last of the 48 contiguous states to be admitted to the United States of America.

State of Arizona flag

Both Alaska (49th state) and Hawaii (50th state) were admitted quite a few years later in 1959 – January 3rd for Alaska, and August 21st for my home state of Hawaii.

Thus, in 2 years in 2012, Arizona will be celebrating 100 years of statehood! What an accomplishment despite the current economic woes.

In 2005 then Governor of Arizona, Janet Napolitano, established a coordinating committee to honor Arizona’s centennial in 2012. The mission of the organization is to:

“Develop, encourage, and coordinate a statewide plan for Arizona’s centennial in 2012 including:

* advising the legislature and state agencies on centennial history and heritage, arts and culture;
* assisting the governor’s countdown to the centennial to support school children learning about Arizona’s history; and
* recommending activities and projects that will ensure lasting legacy accomplishments to commemorate the centennial”.

Today 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Agua Caliente Park, 12525 E. Roger Rd. is a talk on Arizona Statehood. Explore with David Levine the history and challenges that led Arizona to become the 48th state. For more information call 520-615-7855 or eeducation@pima.gov.

Current Governor Jan Brewer has an interesting website entitled “Facts about Arizona” (click here.) These include the state motto, flag, seal, flower, gem, official neckwear (?), tree, bird, fossil, mammal, reptile, fish, amphibian.

Only 2 years to go before the Centennial celebration. “Ditat Deus (God Enriches)”.

Happy Statehood Day today!