100 years proud

You’ve read many posts on how wonderful my state is, and what a hidden treasure it is. I’ve always known what a special place this is. My grandparents have a lot to do with why this place is so sentimental to me, but when I think about it they are the epitome of the spirit of this great state. Their warmth, love, and giving nature is what Oklahoma is all about.

Yesterday we celebrated our 100th birthday…our centennial celebration. Founded in 1907, we have a special history and an extraordinary future. OETA produced and aired a amazing program last night that was live from the Ford Center, featuring artists that were most all Oklahoma Natives.

To quote OETA’s Centennial page:

An unprecedented gathering of Oklahoma’s most famous sons and daughters, the “Celebration of a Century” features performances from native Oklahomans including country music icons Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire and Toby Keith, plus rock legends The Flaming Lips, Stillwater’s own All-American Rejects, Jimmy Webb, Broadway’s Kelli O’Hara, Blake Shelton, Patti Page and opera singer Leona Mitchell.

The star-studded tribute also includes appearances by Shirley Jones, five Miss Americas — Jennifer Berry Gooden, Shawntel Smith Wuerch, Susan Powell, Jane Jayroe-Gamble and Lauren Nelson — Amy Grant, comedian Argus Hamilton, Willard Scott, Johnny Bench, Bart Conner, Nadia Comaneci, Barry Switzer and many more. The Oklahoma City Philharmonic, Canterbury Choral Society and the American Spirit Dance Company also join in the celebration of Oklahoma’s 100th birthday.

I tried finding any clip from this program on YouTube somewhere because of how moving it was, but couldn’t. Maybe I’ll get my video recorder out and video my television, since I PVR’d the program, and Youtube it myself.

Happy Birthday Oklahoma…To a wonderful culture, history, and heart of gold. We’ve got a lot more wonderful experiences and years to come.