Governor Issues ??Happy Birthday Kansas ? Message

Today Governor Sam Brownback released a short video message wishing the State of Kansas a Happy 150th Birthday. The video can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5n8bo0COGM.

Brownback marked Kansas’ sesquicentennial by reflecting on the state’s past and projecting hope for the future.

“In the middle of blood-shed and fire of war, the first generation of Kansans pledged their lives and destinies to forge a Kansas of freedom,” Brownback said. “Each and every day Kansans prove that the courage, humanity, and hope that embodied our founders remain bedrock characteristics that are ingrained in all of us.”

The Governor shared the story of Marine Sargent Jonathan Blank of Augusta, Kansas. While on duty in Afghanistan last October, Sargent Blank suffered serious injuries as a result of an IED blast. Brownback called attention to Blank’s service and the community, for banning together to help the Blank family.

“Sargent Blank has brought out the best in hundreds of Kansans and proved that 150 years later, Kansans still have the courage to fight for freedom, the humanity to ban together in times of need, and the hope of passing on a better Kansas for future generations,” Brownback said.

Kansas became the 34th state on January 29, 1861.