Letter to the Editor

Celebrate the Fourth in Cape

The city of Cape Girardeau will be hosting the celebration of our nation's independence with fireworks at the riverfront and at the Common Pleas Courthouse steps with the Southeast Missourian's Spirit of America Award.

How fitting to bring back this important moment in our past to our own city's history and relationship with the mighty Mississippi!

This year's event will be focused on the award presentation and fireworks with hopes of growing the event in the future. We hope to bring folks downtown who will spend an hour or two with us, living our patriotism and showcasing the people who have contributed so much to the heart of our city.

This event takes an amazing amount of orchestration with multiple generous partners, including logistical planning and communication with tug boat and barge owners (Osage Marine, Missouri Dry Dock) and riverfront dock access (Brenda Kay River Terminal and Tower Rock and Stone).

A huge thank-you goes out to the Isle Capri Cape for its support of this event, the Southeast Missourian, River Radio and the city's dedicated public servants who will be working to prepare, oversee and clean up this event. Parks and recreation, public works, police, fire and city hall staff will all work together to make this celebration a memorable event.

So please join us downtown from 8 to 9:45 p.m. (free shuttle parking from the Show Me Center is available) and enjoy celebrating our nation's birthday!

SCOTT MEYER, city manager, Cape Girardeau

JULIA THOMPSON, parks and recreation director, Cape Girardeau