Mr. Dahle Goes to St. Paul

Last Wednesday, I attended a reception welcoming the Declaration of Independence to the Minnesota History Center. The document, known as the Dunlap Broadside (named after the printer) is one of 25 original copies known to exist. As a Civics teacher, I was excited to view such an important decree. Imagine how the colonists felt, as they cast their eyes on this revolutionary document. I am sure there were feelings of fear, wonder, and trepidation not knowing what a break from England might mean to them as individuals or as a country.

Nearly 80 years later, the state of Minnesota was carved out of the Iowa and Wisconsin territories. And this year we celebrate 150 years of statehood. I had the opportunity to welcome the Sesquicentennial Banner as it arrived in Northfield on Thursday night. On Saturday, I attended a 150^th birthday party in LeCenter sponsored by the LeSueur County Historical Society. At both events, I shared with those in attendance the goals as established by the Minnesota Sesquicentennial Commission.

-Achieve broad participation of the people of Minnesota, visitors, local communities, institutions and organizations in activities across the state
-Raise awareness and educate Minnesotans about our past,
-Bring together a shared vision for the state’s future, by engaging Minnesotans in civic dialogue
-Leave a lasting legacy about the great state of Minnesota

As United States citizens and citizens of this great state, we would do well to heed these simple guidelines: community involvement with a healthy respect for our past working toward a better Minnesota for our future. Happy Birthday, Minnesota. Our forefathers would be proud.