Wednesday, Governor Jim Pillen was joined by fourth graders to help celebrate Nebraska’s 156th Statehood Birthday and National Pig Day by naming the office’s metal pig. Two fourth graders, representing Christ Lutheran School in Lincoln and Spirit and Grace Academy in Elkhorn, selected the name “Petunia” from the Governor’s cowboy hat.
The metal pig has become an unofficial mascot of the Governor’s office – nods to the importance of agriculture to Nebraska as well as the Governor's background as both a veterinarian and a hog farmer. Speaking with students, Governor Pillen explained that the metal pig in his office was a gilt, a young adult female that has not yet produced offspring. The Governor took questions from students; and afterward, students took turns riding the pig and taking photos.
The metal pig is a fixture in the reception area of the office, which is open to the public. Since his Inauguration into office, visitors have stopped by to drop their suggested names into a bowl. In addition to the ceremonial name selection, Pillen marked the celebration with a signed Proclamation marking March 1 as “Nebraska Pig Day.”
Categories: Nebraska, Government & Policy, Rural Lifestyle