Thousands of elementary school students have been invited to a series of birthday parties celebrating Nebraska's statehood.

Secretary of State John Gales says he expects 3,300 students to
attend the parties, scheduled for February 22-26. They'll be held in
Omaha, Boys Town, Sidney, Scottsbluff, McCook, Kearney, Fremont,
Seward, Columbus and Norfolk.

Gale says he wants "students to develop state pride and become
good citizens." He plans to attend all 10 parties, appearing in costume as
"Cactus Jack."

The parties are sponsored by Gale's office, the NEBRASKAland
Foundation, the Nebraska Humanities Council and the National
Endowment for the Humanities.

March 1 marks the 143rd anniversary of Nebraska's statehood.