The E-Sylum:  Volume 10, Number 38, September 23, 2007, Article 21

WYOMING STATE QUARTER LAUNCH CEREMONY

"“It's a once-in-a-lifetime deal,” said Earl Stewart, a retiree,
who had each of his fists closed around five rolls of quarters.

"The Stewarts and more than 1,000 others packed the Cheyenne Civic
Center to get a free Wyoming quarter and to hear rousing music
by the University of Wyoming marching band.

"Speeches by Gov. Dave Freudenthal, U.S. Sens. Mike Enzi and John
Barrasso and U.S. Mint Director Edmund C. Moy were received by
boisterous applause and standing ovations.

"Other dignitaries who attended the ceremony included State
Treasurer Joe Meyer, Auditor Rita Meyer, Superintendent of Public
Instruction Jim McBride and Department of State Parks and Cultural
Resources Director Milward Simpson.

"Also present were Wyoming legislators, members of the advisory
committee that helped develop the design of the quarter and former
Wyoming resident and NBC news correspondent Pete Williams, who
served as emcee.

"After the ceremony, a mob of impatient fourth-graders from
Cheyenne schools surrounded the Capitol Building steps and waited
for Freudenthal and other top officials to distribute free quarters.

"When the celebration ran slightly behind schedule, the children
pumped their firsts in the air and loudly chanted: “We want Dave,
we want Dave,” a slogan intended to induce Freudenthal to appear
with the promised quarters.

"When Freudenthal did emerge, the sounds of the children's cheers
and happy screams could be heard for blocks.

"Members of the University of Wyoming women's WNIT championship
basketball team waded through the crowd, which fanned out across
much of the front Capitol lawn, and handed a quarter to each
eager child.

"Barry Burkart of Cheyenne, a lifetime Wyoming resident, took
off work to attend. Burkart called the ceremony “just amazing”
and said he was especially pleased by the large turnout.

"“I think over time the state quarters have kind of lost their
attraction to the public, but I think it's neat that Wyoming
is turning out for its own quarter,” Burkart said.

"For those who couldn't attend Friday's celebration, quarters
in commemorative cards are available at banks across the state
for $2. Rolls of quarters in original U.S. Mint wrapping are
available for a limited time at Oregon Trail Banks in Cheyenne,
Guernsey and Chugwater.

To read the complete article, see: Full Story

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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