Missouri is celebrating its bicentennial in Jefferson City today.
The formal ceremony on the Capitol’s south lawn will be livestreamed on Missouri2021.org. Governor Mike Parson, Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul C. Wilson, state Historical Society of Missouri executive director Gary Kremer and Jefferson City Mayor Carrie Tergin will deliver remarks. The U.S. Postal Service will unveil the Missouri statehood stamp as well.
Missouri Poet Laureate Maryfrances Wagner will read a poem during the ceremony. Music will be provided by the Missouri National Guard’s 135th Army band, along with the Missouri Choral Directors Association all-state festival choir.
Parson will attend a U.S. naturalization ceremony inside the Capitol rotunda. There also will be a bicentennial tree dedication on the Capitol lawn , and a big turnout is expected for the Missouri 2021 ice cream social event at Jefferson City’s Central Dairy.
“What better way to end Statehood Day than with our state’s official dessert — the ice cream cone — at an ice cream social with fellow Missourians,” Sen. Blaine Luetkemeyer said.
Former U.S. Sens. Kit Bond and Jean Carnahan are scheduled to be in Jefferson City as well. Carnahan also served as Missouri’s first lady when her husband, the late Governor Mel Carnahan, was in office from 1993 to 2000.
Parson also is promoting the upcoming Bicentennial Inaugural parade, which will take place on Saturday, September 18, in Jefferson City. World War II veteran Edith Harrington from Macon will be the grand marshal. Parson said sports fans will see something at the September bicentennial event in Jefferson City that’s never happened before.
“You’ll have the St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Blues and the Kansas City Chiefs, all their world championship trophies will be on display at the same time for the first time ever,” he said.