Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019
Ad astra per aspera is a Latin phrase meaning "through hardships to the stars." It's on our state flag and, perhaps, a feeling deeply ingrained in each of us who call Kansas home. January 29 is when we celebrate Kansas Day each year. Today commemorates our state's admission into the Union in 1861. Originally it was Native American land, then a territory created by the Kansas-Nebraska Act and finally statehood. Kansas has surely seen hardships. Perhaps it is the optimism and aspiration to rise above during tough times that makes us unique as Kansans. On this day, we salute our state and all who chose a home on the range.