Sesquicentennial: We’re all singing ‘Home Means Nevada’

Battle Born pride swelled along with the vocal cards as thousands of people sung “Home Means Nevada” Thursday morning in an attempt to set a world’s record based on the number of individuals singing a state song.

All over Nevada — including Fallon — residents and friends of the state — would have made Bertha Raffetto proud. Raffetto wrote the state song in 1932, and one year later, the Nevada Legislature adopted it.

A small, but spirited crowd of more than 200 people crowded in the courtyard behind Fallon City Hall to sing along with Tom Fleming’s high school choir, the Minor Details. The melody’s harmony permeated the stillness of the autumn morning.

“The state and Fallon did their part,” said Rick Gray, executive director of the Fallon Convention and Tourism Authority. “We did more than most communities to celebrate the sesquicentennial.

Beginning with the dedication of a refurbished Lariat Motel sign one year ago to a number of sanctioned events to recognize the state’s 150th birthday, Gray said the community took pride in being part of such a monumental occasion.

The local celebrations are not done yet with a plethora of activities scheduled for today including the lowering of a time capsule, awarding of certificates for the Then and Now projects, signing of books key to this area and dancing at Venturacci Park later tonight.

A Heart of Gold quilted blanket especially designed with Nevada symbols will also be raffled later tonight.

On Saturday, the Nevada Day parade begins its march in Carson City beginning at 10 a.m.

Michon Mackedon and Valerie Serpa, co-chairwomen of the Mayor’s NV 150 Commission, said a steady pace of activities marked the sesquicentennial year. She was impressed with the singing.

“It was a gorgeous presentation,” she said.

While the choir was leading the courtyard group, students and teaches across the district were also involved with the singing of “Home Means Nevada.”

“This raises the spirit and sets the state for the weekend,” Mackedon said.

Retired councilman John Tewell said he has lived in Nevada for 86 years.

“I’ve seen many state birthdays come and go, but this year has been exciting,” he said. “It’s nice to see people singing along around the state.”

Tewell said he also remembers the celebration in 1864 when Nevada recognized its centennial. He said Nevadans have recognized the two significant milestones in Nevada’s history in very different ways.

Equally proud was Fallon Mayor Ken Tedford Jr. who welcomed residents to the courtyard and said it was an honor for Fallon to be a part of Thursday’s statewide singing.