The American flag has featured 50 stars since 1959, when Alaska and Hawaii joined the Union. Meaning over six many years have handed since america final expanded, which was properly after Arkansas was admitted because the twenty fifth state.
In reality, June 15 marks 186 years since The Pure State achieved statehood. Occasions throughout the nearly-two centuries since have profoundly formed and influenced the historical past, tradition and path of our state. This week, as we rejoice the anniversary of this event, we now have a possibility to look again on how Arkansas’s story has unfolded and to resume our hope within the promise of a fair brighter future.
From the Quapaw tribe of Native People who inhabited the land when French and Spanish explorers found it – giving rise to the identify Arkansas first as a reference to the indigenous residents after which to the territory itself – to the residents who reside right here at this time, all of us perceive how majestic this place is and why it’s so particular.
That additionally partly helps clarify the nicknames Arkansas has acquired over time, together with The Surprise State, The Land of Alternative and now The Pure State.
There’s a transparent and deep appreciation for the inherently lovely geographical array it showcases. Over time, that actuality has helped draw guests from throughout the nation and all through the world to expertise and respect what the state legislature formally described because the “unsurpassed surroundings, clear lakes, free-flowing streams, magnificent rivers, meandering bayous, delta bottomlands, forested mountains and ample fish and wildlife” readily discovered right here.
But it surely’s not simply the land and pure assets that assist set it aside. We all know the individuals and communities listed here are equally integral options inside Arkansas’s story.
Like most different states, this land was as soon as a frontier that offered promise and threat to settlers in search of a brand new begin. That gave rise to a flourishing society which unfold out to each nook of modern-day Arkansas. The demographics and inhabitants facilities proceed to alter, however Arkansans keep true to our distinctive legacy and the great traditions that deliver households, mates and neighbors collectively.
Folklore just like the Arkansas Traveler and neighborhood celebrations just like the Pink Tomato Competition in Bradley County or the Gillett Coon Supper display a shared sense of id that unites us and invitations individuals to be a part of one thing larger than themselves.
These occasions, and the cities and cities that host them, are happy with the wealthy heritage they characterize.
The state isn’t the one entity marking a milestone this yr. The communities of Lonoke, Judsonia and Brinkley all flip 150, whereas Joiner and Smackover mark their centennials in 2022.
There’s by no means a scarcity of alternatives to rejoice Arkansas and what units it aside. The 186 years which have elapsed because it turned a state are a testomony to the resilience of our individuals and the establishments we now have constructed. No pure catastrophe or man-made disaster has but been in a position to conquer our spirit or deliver us so low as to forestall us from getting again up.
As we glance to the long run, I’m assured we’ll proceed pursuing pathways that assist future generations of Arkansans thrive whereas uplifting our state on many fronts. We’ve got a monitor document of doing simply that by bridging gaps, discovering frequent floor and placing our motto into motion – Regnat Populus, “the individuals rule.”
This state and its individuals don’t stop, and that gained’t change once we’re marking the following anniversary or thrilling landmark second.
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