Press Release: House Passes Second Verse to Flag Song - Rep. Morgan's HB 285 Expands, Enhances State Anthem

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State Capitol, Room 434
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: (907) 465-4527
Fax: (907) 465-2197
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Aniak, AK 99557
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For Immediate Release:	January 23, 2002
Contact:	Representative Carl Morgan at (907) 465-4527

(JUNEAU) - The House of Representatives read from the same sheet of music today, voicing unanimous support for a measure sponsored by Rep. Carl Morgan, Jr. (R-Aniak) to add a second verse to Alaska's official flag song.

Passage of the House Bill 285 without dissent represents a symbolic but important step in the Republican Majority's efforts to enhance rural-urban respect in Alaska, and extend the hand of friendship across the state's diverse geography, culture and history, Morgan said.

"This song commemorates all cultures of this great state we call Alaska," Morgan said. "Some may say this second verse may never be sung, but it is already being sung. It was sung before the House on the opening day of our legislative session."

Marie Drake wrote the well-known words, and Eleanor Dusenbury the music, to the Alaska Flag Song, which was given as a gift to the University of Alaska in 1960. The second verse was written by Carol Beery Davis and gifted to the University in 1987. Bringing Alaska history full circle, her daughter, Constance Davis of Juneau, was among those observing the House action from the legislative chamber's visitors' gallery.

The second verse honors Benny Benson, an Alaska Native who was living in the Jessie Lee Home in Seward in 1927 when he submitted the winning design of eight stars of gold on a field of blue that became Alaska's territorial flag, and later the flag for the state of Alaska. The following is the text of the second verse:

"A Native lad chose the Dipper's stars -- for Alaska's flag that there be no bars
Among our cultures, be it known -- through years the Natives' past has grown
To share life's treasures, hand in hand -- to keep Alaska our great land
We love the northern, midnight sky -- the mountains, lakes and streams nearby,
The great North Star with its steady light -- will guide all cultures, clear and bright,
With nature's flag to Alaskan's dear -- the simple flag of the last frontier."

HB 285 moves next to the House Rules Committee.

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