HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 988 Offered February 19, 2007 Commemorating the State of Oklahoma’s Centennial Year. ---------- Patron-- Cline ----------

WHEREAS, on November 16, 2007, Oklahoma will celebrate the 100th anniversary of becoming the 46th state in the Union, having completed the transition from Indian Territory to full citizenship in the United States on November 16, 1907; and

WHEREAS, on May 11, 2007, the Commonwealth of Virginia will commemorate the 400th Anniversary of the founding of Jamestown during America’s Anniversary Weekend and through numerous other special events and activities; and

WHEREAS, the name, “Oklahoma” was chosen by Chief Allen Wright, Principal Chief of the Choctaw Nation during the 1866 treaty negotiations; and

WHEREAS, “Oklahoma” comes from the Choctaw words, okia, meaning people, and honuna, meaning red; and

WHEREAS, Oklahoma’s first state capitol was located in Guthrie as authorized by the United States Congress; and

WHEREAS, although Guthrie did not increase in population from 1900 to 1910, Oklahoma City grew by over 600 percent; and

WHEREAS, Oklahoma citizens voted to move the capitol to Oklahoma City on June 11, 1910; and

WHEREAS, Oklahoma is a state with a rich history, including its days as a frontier state and as a destination of people looking for opportunity and equality; and

WHEREAS, Oklahoma is located in the southern Great Plains and Eastern Woodlands regions of the United States, is sometimes called “Native America” and the “Sooner State,” and is part of a region commonly known as the American “Heartland”; and

WHEREAS, Oklahoma has four mountain ranges, with the highest peak being 4,973 feet above sea level and located in the far northwestern corner of the panhandle near the Town of Kenton, and with the lowest elevation in the far southeastern part of the state near the Town of Idabel at 324 feet; and

WHEREAS, Oklahoma has more manmade lakes than any other state, with over one million surface acres of water, and also has approximately 11,611 miles of shoreline; and

WHEREAS, Oklahoma has the third largest American Indian population and is home to 39 recognized tribes, the most in the nation; and

WHEREAS, a testament to the Oklahoma’s western and American Indian heritage, Tulsa is home of the world-renowned Gilcrease Museum, housing the world’s largest, most comprehensive collection of American Western art and artifacts, as well as an unparalleled collection of American Indian and Central and South American art, artifacts, documents and maps; and

WHEREAS, the various government-sponsored arts, community, and tourism programs emphasize Oklahoma’s Native American heritage; and

WHEREAS, the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum is located in Oklahoma City; and

WHEREAS, Oklahoma’s State Motto is “Labor Omnia Vincit,” Labor Conquers All Things; and

WHEREAS. Oklahomans invented many items that are commonplace today, including Carl C. Magee’s coin-controlled parking meter in 1935, Sylvan Goldman’s shopping cart, and Bob Dunn’s electric guitar in 1935; and

WHEREAS, Oklahoma was at the heart of the oil boom in the early 20th century, and the Capitol grounds include Capitol Site Number 1, an operating oil well; and

WHEREAS, Oklahoma has become the second largest natural gas-producing state in the nation; and

WHEREAS, second only to railroads, highways have shaped the face of Oklahoma, including the famous Route 66, the dream of Tulsa businessman and civic leader, Cyrus Avery; and

WHEREAS, Oklahoma has been home to many famous personalities, including Will Rogers, who was born on a large ranch in the Cherokee Nation, became a national figure, Broadway star, popular broadcaster, and author of more than 4,000 syndicated newspaper columns; and

WHEREAS, well-known celebrity Oklahomans include Wiley Post, Jim Thorpe, Woody Guthrie, James Garner, Boone Pickens, Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, Joe Diffee, Reba McIntire, Toby Keith and, most recently, Carrie Underwood; and

WHEREAS, with more than 450 official Centennial events taking place across the state, 2007 promises to be a very festive year in Oklahoma; and

WHEREAS, on behalf of the citizens of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma State Legislature extends an invitation to all to join in the centennial celebration developed by the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department and, along with the Oklahoma Centennial Commission, have diligently prepared for these festivities and look forward to making every visitor to “America’s Heartland” feel welcome; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the Virginia General Assembly hereby acknowledge that 2007 is the Centennial Year of the State of Oklahoma; and, be it

RESOLVED, That the General Assembly salute the many notable personages and their achievements that contribute to the great history of the great state of Oklahoma; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the General Assembly extend a warm welcome to Oklahomans who may choose to visit the Commonwealth and participate in events during the commemoration of the 400th Anniversary of the founding of Jamestown to be conducted during 2007; and, be it

RESOLVED FINALLY, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare copies of this resolution for presentation to members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives as an expression of our mutual respect and admiration and with every good wish for successful celebrations of Oklahoma’s Centennial.