U.S. Flag Code urges citizens of states to fly the U.S. flag on the anniversary of statehood.
We almost let the whole 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:
Front page of the Daily Oklahoman on November 16, 1907, anticipating President Roosevelt’s proclamation to come that morning. Daily Oklahoman image.
- “Celebrate Oklahoma’s Statehood Day with “The Oklahomans: The Story of Oklahoma and Its People Volume 1 (Ancient-Statehood)” from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Oklahoma History Center,” The Ardmorite
- Oklahoma Hall of Fame traditionally inducts new members around Statehood Day celebrations; the class of 2016
- Ten major events in Oklahoma history, compiled by Rick Green at the Daily Oklahoman
- 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)
- Vintage Oklahoma City: Jim Crow (material likely not found in many other places
- 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 mostly an encore post. Fighting ignorance requires patience.
Millard Fillmore's Bathtub 