"We're All Pulling Together" Honors 50 Years Of Statehood
A specially painted Alaska Airlines jet adorned with a Sitka
high school student's winning design touched down in Sitka, AK
Thursday morning, to celebrate 50 years of Alaska statehood.
The unique livery on a Boeing 737-400 aircraft dubbed the
"Spirit of Alaska Statehood" was created by 16-year-old Hannah
Hamberg. It features a musher and sled dog, state ferry, Native
Alaskan canoe, bear and whale, along with the statement, "We're all
pulling together."
As ANN reported, Hamberg's design was selected
from among thousands of submissions by students across Alaska in a
statewide "Paint the Plane" contest. Judged by a panel of Alaskan
artists and other dignitaries, the design will fly throughout
Alaska Airlines' network of 59 cities.
"This was an amazing opportunity to share Alaska's unique
heritage with people throughout the state and across the country,"
said Hamberg. "Growing up in a small town in Alaska, I've seen how
Alaskans work together and help each other. This artwork is a
tribute to our ancestors who helped shape Alaska over the past 50
years."
Flying from Seattle in the special aircraft were Hamberg and her
parents, Barth and Mary Alice Hamberg of Sitka, Alaska State
Representative Peggy Wilson and Alaska Airlines representatives.
The plane and honored guests were welcomed to Hamberg's hometown by
Sitka High School students and community members.
"What better way to celebrate the first 50 years of statehood
than to commemorate with a flying mural inspired by our state's
future -- our children," Governor Sarah Palin said. "Hannah's
artwork summarizes the values and qualities that are uniquely
Alaskan and will be cherished for generations to come."
Following the welcoming ceremony in Sitka, the aircraft will
depart for Anchorage and other Alaska cities. The plane will be
routed throughout Alaska and the West Coast to celebrate the unique
role air travel plays in the everyday lives of Alaskans.
"The 'Spirit of Alaska Statehood' aircraft symbolizes 50 years
of independence and fortitude," said Bill MacKay, Alaska Airlines'
senior vice president for the state of Alaska. "This unique plane
will showcase our state's proud heritage everywhere it flies and
have a very special place in our hearts for years to come."
The aircraft received its new livery at Aviation Technical
Services of Everett, WA where 48 Associated Painters spent 14 days
completing the complicated painting process requiring 21 colors and
about 160 gallons of paint.