Missourian taking Spirit nominations

"I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him." -- Abraham Lincoln

Two veterans.

A dentist, musician and missionary.

A former educator.

All proud of the place in which they live. All living in a way that makes their place proud.

For the past four years, the Southeast Missourian's Spirit of America award has honored local residents who demonstrate their patriotism and community service through their lives and activities.

"The award is a tremendous way to recognize a local hero who upholds the American ideal and has had a real impact on our community," said Jon K. Rust, Southeast Missourian publisher. "The Southeast Missourian is proud to sponsor the award every year. The recipients are remarkable individuals."

The winner of this year's contest will be announced at Libertyfest, the Fourth of July celebration sponsored by Old Town Cape. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. July 4, with local musicians performing on Spanish and Themis streets in downtown Cape Girardeau, said Old Town Cape director Marla Mills.

This year the celebration will include children's activities, such as face painting and games, on Water Street. Tours of the Red House Interpretative Center will also be available.

The highlight of the event -- a professional fireworks show over the Mississippi River -- will begin about 9:30 p.m., Mills said.

"This year, we're hoping people will just relax and enjoy the day," she said. "The traditional events have a little bit for everybody."

Some 6,000 people attended last year's show. With good weather, Mills said she expects even more to gather downtown this year.

At 9 p.m., before the fireworks begin, the Spirit of America award will be presented to this year's winner. Community, civic and religious organizations may make nominations by completing the entry form on Page 2B, by stopping by the Southeast Missourian office at 301 Broadway, by e-mailing news@semissourian.com or by logging on to http://www.semissourian.com/spirit/. The nomination deadline is June 18. The organization that nominates the winner will receive $1,000 to be used for charitable endeavors. The winner will receive the Spirit of America trophy.

Libertyfest schedule of events: July 4

6 to 8 p.m.: Red House Interpretive Center Tours, 128 South Main

6:30 to 9 p.m.: Evening Optimists Kids' Zone at Themis flood gate area; face painters, games, and more.

6:30 to 7 p.m.: Dan Weithop at Spanish and Themis streets.

6:30 to 7:30 p.m.: Strolling Dixieland Band.

7:15 to 8 p.m.: Mike Renick Band at Spanish and Themis streets.

7:30 to 8:30 p.m. --Strolling fiddler Steve Schaffner.

8 to 9 p.m.: Municipal band at Spanish and Themis streets.

9 to 9:30 p.m.: Presentation of colors by Marine Corps League. Southeast Missourian Spirit of America Award. Comments by city officials. National anthem by Lindsay Stroh at Spanish and Themis streets.

9:30 p.m.: Fireworks over the Mississippi River.