Show Your State Pride During the Homestead Act's 150th Anniversary

Date: October 13, 2011
Contact: Merrith Baughman, 402-223-3514

Homestead National Monument of America, a unit of the National Park Service located in Southeast Nebraska, is seeking individuals who participated in the Homestead Act of 1862 or are descendants of those who received land through the Homestead Law.

One volunteer from each of America's 30-Homestead States is needed to carry their state's flag for the Homestead Act's 150^th National Commemoration Event on Sunday, May 20, 2012 and then again for the Homestead Day's Parade on Saturday, June 16, 2012. Volunteers must be able to carry their state's flag for a distance of no more than 1.2 miles. The same volunteer will not be expected to carry their state flag at both 2012 events unless they wish to do so. The 30-Homestead States include: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Persons interested in volunteering are asked to submit a one page nomination that includes; name, address, contact information, and a short statement explaining their connection to the Homestead Act of 1862 and why they would like to be selected to participate in these events. Or you can submit the flag volunteer carrier participation form found at: http://www.nps.gov/home/planyourvisit/volunteers-needed-flag-carry.htm

Nominations or questions can be directed to: [e-mail], faxed to 402-228-4231,

or mailed to:

Superintendent
Attention: Volunteer Flag Program
Homestead National Monument of America
8523 West State Highway 4
Beatrice, NE 68310

Homestead National Monument of America is a unit of the National Park Service located four miles west of Beatrice, Nebraska. Admission is free of charge. For additional information about other special events planned for 2012, please call 402-223-3514 or visit www.nps.gov/home. Keep up with the latest information on Twitter (HomesteadNM) and Facebook (Homestead National Monument of America).