Harry Rediger

Each Fourth of July the Southeast Missourian's Spirit of America Award honors an individual who represents the nation's and our community's highest ideals of family values, business integrity and community service. Harry Rediger, this year's winner, continues to make exemplary contributions in each of these areas.

Rediger came to Cape Girardeau in 1977 as manager of the J.C. Penney store. Now retired, Rediger continues to find ways to give back to the community he adopted as his own.

Many of Rediger's attributes have been recognized, but one that stands out is his ability to turn problems into solutions. Rather than letting barriers stop the community's betterment, he works to find ways to find innovative ways to advance. Whenever the community has a thorny issue, Rediger represents a level-headed approach to a resolution.

Over the years he has served his community well on the school board and planning and zoning commission as well as leadership roles at Saint Francis Medical Center, the Girl Scouts, Red Cross and United Way.

Congratulations also are in order for two other Spirit of America nominees, Todd Rushing and Thomas M. Meyer. Their impressive contributions to their community represent the best of what the award stands for.