IOWA SESQUICENNTENIAL
Stardate 9612.28 (December 28, 1996)
Starbase 17 was invited by the Iowa Sesquicentennial Committee
to be participants marking the year-end celebration of Iowa's
150th Birthday. This was the biggest event Starbase 17 was ever
involved in. All of us were in uniform or alien costume, and we
debated issues on the Senate floor along with real Senators. They
included U.S. Senator Charles Grassley and State Senators Maggie
Tinsman, Patty Judge, Mary Kramer, and TOM VILSACK! These Senators
also wore Star Trek uniforms, most of which were supplied by Starbase
17.
In the November 1996 newsletter, Admiral Davis wrote:
"Be sure to mark your calendars for December 28 for the Iowa
Sesquicentennial-it will be a memorable day for all who participate.
Don't forget, if you have an extra uniform the Sesquicentennial
Committee can use, let me know as soon as possible. Just think,
you might be able to say, 'U.S. Senator _________ wore this'."
Talk about prophetic! Tom Vilsack (now Governor) wore Gene Davis'
uniform!
As representatives of IOWA IN THE FUTURE, we debated issues and
problems that may arise 50 years hence: Education, the environment,
and most importantly, Iowa's role in helping to feed the world
since it is apparent that in the next 50 years overpopulation
of the world will be critical. We were on the Senate floor for
about eight hours.
Earlier in the week, we met former Governor Robert Ray who was
being fitted for his costume. He was representing IOWA IN THE
PAST. There was much TV coverage that day and we were featured
on the Olsen File on WHO-Channel 13.
The day of our participation at the Senate, we were given lunch
and in the evening were included in a buffet dinner given at the
Convention Center. That evening after dinner, Governor Ray and
Governor Branstad led the closing ceremonies.
There were enormous crowds all day and much TV coverage. It was
a most memorable day-14 hours of it!