Ad Astra Per Aspera

The motto "Ad astra per aspera," or more commonly "Per aspera ad astra," which officially means "to the stars through difficulties," is the state motto of Kansas. This motto was chosen due to Kansas's bloody history with the Civil War, and was created by John James Ingalls. He was one of the few people who helped Kansas gain statehood, was a senator for eight years, and an activist against slavery. He also helped design the state seal "A constellation of stars at the top of the seal represented the other states then in the Union. The rising star symbolized Kansas joining the Union after a stormy struggle." (Kansapedia) I believe that the motto is fitting, especially considering the state's passt struggle to join the union.

Rivers Glover