Birthday wishes and warmest stories from our readers

made a state in the afternoon and that they must have been one of the last babies born in the Arizona Territory.

Like many of those born100 years ago on Feb.14, my grandpa lived all his years in Arizona, raised a family, gave generously to his community and was proud of his heritage and our great state.

If my grandpa were alive today, he would probably tell me that it doesn’t matter who was born first.

So, as we celebrate our state’s 100th birthday, let’s celebrate all babies born in Arizona and those who have made this such a wonderful place to call home.

— Kris Mcbride, 1962 bore down on our full winter (wool) dress blues, and we began to fall like flies.

Goldwater certainly created a more difficult decision in the voting booth in November 1962 with Texan LBJ on the ticket.

Fifty years have passed — ASU provided me an excellent education and career in public accounting and the opportunity to vacation often in Oak Creek Canyon above Sedona.

Happy 100th birthday, Arizona, but I’ll be celebrating in an inside venue this time!

Russell E. “Russ” Brown,

Now, 50 years later, I am happy (and a little surprised) to be around to celebrate Arizona's 100th birthday. I am somewhat older than I was in 1962, of course, and I now have a wife and children to join me in the festivities.

Arizona is a great place, better than ever, and I have never considered living anywhere else.

Some of our elected officials are meaner than they should be, but meanness doesn't last, and the basic decency of Arizonans always prevails.

Happy birthday, Arizona! I love living here, and I always will.

Stephen Newmark,