Deadline today for Spirit of America Award nominations

Today is the deadline to nominate an individual for the Southeast Missouri Spirit of America Award.

This is an annual award given by this newspaper to an individual who embodies the spirit of this great nation through patriotism and service.

Past recipients include: John "Doc" Yallaly, Dr. Dan Cotner, Melvin Gateley, Neal Edwards, James Harnes Sr., Jane Randol Jackson, Harry Rediger, Rob Callahan, David Hitt, Kent Zickfield, Kenneth Bender and Mary Kasten.

If the award recipient is nominated by an organization, that organization will receive a $1,000 cash prize. If nominated by an individual, the recipient will pick a charity to receive the monetary award.

The 2015 Spirit of America nominees and the award recipient will be featured in the July 2 edition of the Southeast Missourian. The award recipient also will be recognized at the Great American Fourth of July celebration in downtown Cape Girardeau on July 4.

To nominate an individual for the award, drop off the completed form that was periodically printed in the Southeast Missourian by 5 p.m. today or use the online form at semissourian.com/forms/spirit.

Thank you to those who have submitted nominations for the Southeast Missourian Spirit of America Award.