A special public event is planned Tuesday at the state Capitol to mark the Missouri's bicentennial.
Missouri Statehood Day marks 200 years since the Missouri Territory became the 24th state to enter the Union.
A ceremony on the South Lawn will begin at 9 a.m. Gov. Mike Parson, past governors and other dignitaries will recognize the 200 years of statehood. The ceremony will be open to the public but also will be livestreamed on Missouri2021.org for those who wish to attend virtually or view it later.
In addition to a planned proclamation in recognition of the bicentennial, the U.S. Postal Service will unveil the Missouri Statehood Stamp. Remarks will be made by U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt; Gary Kremer, executive director of the State Historical Society of Missouri; Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul C. Wilson; and Jefferson City Mayor Carrie Tergin.
Missouri's Poet Laureate Maryfrances Wagner will read a poem for the bicentennial, and music will be performed by Missouri Choral Directors Association All-State Festival Choir and the Missouri National Guard 135th Army Band.
After the ceremony, the public is invited to a naturalization ceremony at 11 a.m. in the first floor Rotunda of the Capitol. Bicentennial-themed exhibits will be on display inside the Capitol, including the Missouri Bicentennial Quilt, Missouri Bicentennial Mural, My Missouri 2021 Photo exhibit and a Missouri Timeline display.
The Missouri Bicentennial Commission is also inviting communities to celebrate Missouri's birthday with an ice cream social Tuesday. To date, there are more than 150 registered events in 87 counties for the social, including Central Dairy in Jefferson City, which will host a social 2-5 p.m. Tuesday.
To view more of the planned events for statehood day, visit Missouri2021.org.