Centennial Tributes Begin

Thursday, November 15th 2007, 4:27 pm

By: News On 6

Oklahoma's Centennial birthday officially begins at midnight Friday morning. On Thursday, the state celebrated 100 years of Oklahoma history at our stateâ€™s first capital of Guthrie. The News On 6 anchor Craig Day reports leaders paused to remember Oklahoma's yesterdays and to chart a course for the future.

For 400 Oklahoma lawmakers and dignitaries, the Thursday began by boarding the Centennial Express. The Burlington Northern Santa Fe vintage train heads from the depot in Oklahoma City down the tracks and back in time to Guthrie: Oklahoma's first capital.

Once in Guthrie, lawmakers take part in a ceremonial state session in the same grand old building that made history with the first legislature 100 years ago, the Scottish Rite Masonic Center.

Speakers, some in period clothing from 1907, took to the podium. Governor Brad Henry said Oklahoma has defined itself as a place of innovation, resourcefulness, pride, and hospitality. He hopes all Oklahomans pause and reflect on the state's past.

"Take just a bit of time out of our busy lives to stop and reflect on what Oklahoma means to each of us,â€ said Governor Brad Henry. Outside the historic building, hundreds gathered for a Native American sunset ceremony. Members of all 39 recognized tribes in Oklahoma participated.

"It was done very well, showing the generosity we have as Oklahomans for one another,â€ said Native American Joe Medrano.

"This is our land, too. And, it's important we go forward with positive things in the future,â€ added Mary Helen Deer.

Watch the video: Centennial Celebration Preview