Makiki man
represents isles in
photo of century

Bruce Bottorff and
more than 100 others born on
Independence Day will pose
for the picture

To see the group picture, visit
http://www.americasbirthday.com

By Alisa LaVelle
Star-Bulletin

Born on the Fourth of July, Bruce Bottorff will represent Hawaii and his birth year of 1956 in the Photo of the Century to be taken tomorrow in Philadelphia.

The photo will be taken on the steps of Independence Hall at 7:04 a.m. A total of 112 Americans plus one dog born on July 4th will represent all 50 states and each year from 1900 to 1999.

A set of twins, triplets and quadruplets along with parents and children, siblings, a cowboy and a soap opera star will be there. Organizers even promise to include a baby born tomorrow.

"I feel that I am part of something quite remarkable," Bottorff, a Makiki resident, said in a telephone interview from Philadelphia. "I am looking at this moment as meaningful, to myself and to many others."

An Independence Day baby, Bottorff qualified over 64 Hawaii and 25,000 national applicants.

It was his application that got him chosen, said Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau spokeswoman Danielle Cohn.

Hawaii Independence Day events Picnics, fireworks and a dance on the USS Missouri highlight the last July 4th of the 1900s.

"Bruce had an interesting life story and wanted to see the Phillies game," Cohn said. "All the participants have interesting stories."

Born in Trenton, N.J., Bottorff spent most of his younger years living abroad. He lived in Bangkok, Thailand, during the 1960s. When he was in Berlin during the 1970s, Bottorff remembered eating a bratwurst at "The Wall" on his birthday because it reminded him of hot dogs and liberty.

Living in Hawaii since the 1980s, Bottorff obtained his doctoral degree in American studies from University of Hawaii this year. He teaches at UH and wrote for Hawaii Business magazine.

He said he couldn't help but put everything into historical context.

"It blows me away seeing those born before 1940s who've seen the Great Depression and both World Wars with those who don't have any direct knowledge of it," Bottorff said.

Bottorff usually spends his birthdays at Pearl Harbor or the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific because "it's inspirational."

His application stated the hope to spend this birthday in the historical city of Philadelphia.

"Coming from Hawaii to do this (photo) means so much because of the celebration of diversity and unification that Hawaii people already appreciate and celebrate," Bottorff said.

"Looking out at the sea of people and seeing every state, all races, every religion, class and age makes this so very special for me," he said.

Bottorff and his wife arrived in Philadelphia on Tuesday. His round trip and hotel were provided by US Airways and the Warwick Hotel and Towers.

Yesterday, they attended a reception hosted by the city's mayor. They watched a Phillies game, went sightseeing and attended more receptions today.

"We get to do things that can't be done in Hawaii," Bottorff said.

The photograph, to be taken by a New York Times photographer (who was also born on July 4th), kicks off Philadelphia's 18-month Millennium Celebration. Organizers are looking for a permanent place to exhibit it.

Bottorff thought Hawaii should take a lesson from Philadelphia.

"Hawaii has its own benefits, not just environmental, but historical ones," he said. "Look at all the attention this city is enjoying."

Bottorff felt honored about being the Hawaii representative.

"Whether we agree or disagree, and whatever level we choose to be unified, we share being Americans," he said.