U.S. Flag Code urges citizens of states to fly the U.S. flag on the anniversary of statehood.
We let part of the day slip away without reminding you: President Theodore Roosevelt signed the Oklahoma statehood proclamation on November 16, 1907. Oklahoma became the 46th state, with New Mexico and Arizona to come later to fill out the contiguous 48 states.
Mike Wimmer’s 2003 painting of President Theodore Roosevelt’s signing of the proclamation that made Oklahoma a member of the union. Oklahoma Arts Council image.
Oklahoma’s pre-history is long, complex and fascinating; the road to statehood is similarly complex and winding, lined with broken promises to Native Americans, tragedy and other drama. Does the state require Oklahoma history be taught in public schools?
And so we hope, you flew your flags today, Sooners!
Did anyone actually fly their flag? Does anyone other than Oklahoma newspapers even care any more?
More:
- Teaching with art in the Oklahoma Capitol (including the painting shown above of Roosevelt and the Statehood proclamation)
- Original documents relating to Oklahoma statehood from the U.S. National Archives (NARA)
- Oklahoma Statehood items at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
- North Carolina’s statehood date is November 21, the next date to fly the U.S. flag in November. The last November flag-flying date is November 28, 2016, Thanksgiving Day.
46-star flag used after Oklahoma became the 46th state in 1907. This flag remained in use for four years. RareFlags.com image.
Yes, this is an encore post. Defeating ignorance takes patience and perseverance.
Millard Fillmore's Bathtub 