Spirit of America: Fourth of July in Cape Girardeau

Lucas Presson presents the Spirit of America award to Mary Kasten on Friday, July 4, 2014 in Cape Girardeau. (Fred Lynch)

The Jerry Ford Patriotic Band performs before the Spirit of America program July 4, 2014 in Cape Girardeau.

People gather at Common Pleas Courthouse Park for the Spirit of America program and fireworks July 4, 2014 in Cape Girardeau.

Nicholas Hodges of Boy Scout Troop 2 in Cape Girardeau hands out American flags before the Spirit of America Awards program July 4, 2014. (Mark Blanton)

The Jerry Ford Patriotic Band performs before the Spirit of America program July 4, 2014 in Cape Girardeau.

Jerry Ford asks veterans to stand when their branch of service is recognized with the military medley before the Spirit of America program July 4, 2014 in Cape Girardeau.

Veterans stand during the military medley by the Jerry Ford Patriotic Band before the Spirit of America program July 4, 2014 in Cape Girardeau.

Veterans stand during the military medley by the Jerry Ford Patriotic Band before the Spirit of America program July 4, 2014 in Cape Girardeau.

Veterans stand during the patriotic medley by the Jerry Ford Patriotic Band before the Spirit of America program July 4, 2014 in Cape Girardeau.

Veterans stand during the patriotic medley by the Jerry Ford Patriotic Band before the Spirit of America program July 4, 2014 in Cape Girardeau.

Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder leads the Pledge of Allegiance during the Spirit of America program July 4, 2014 in Cape Girardeau.

Lisa Reitzel sings the National Anthem at the Spirit of America program Friday, July 4, 2014 in Cape Girardeau.

Mary Kasten accepts the Spirit of America award from Lucas Presson, left, Friday, July 4, 2014 in Cape Girardeau. (Fred Lynch)

Mary Kasten poses for a photo with Josh Haynes, left, chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Jason Smith; Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, Lucas Presson, Mayor Harry Rediger and state Sen. Wayne Wallingford. Kasten was honored in the Congressional Record by Smith. Kinder presented her with a declaration and Wallingford presented her with House and Senate resolutions.

Fireworks light up the sky over the Mississippi River behind the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge at the close of the Spirit of America program Friday, July 4, 2014 in Cape Girardeau. (Fred Lynch)

Nicole Koenig with her daughter, Alleena, and son, Joseph, pose for a photo before the Spirit of America program Friday, July 4, 2014 in Cape Girardeau.

Ray and Sonnie Fulkerson pose for a photo before the Spirit of America program Friday, July 4, 2014 in Cape Girardeau.

Collin and Laura Sheridan with their son, Kent, and daughter, Chloe, pose for a photo before the Spirit of America program Friday, July 4, 2014 in Cape Girardeau.

Sarah and Adam Johnson with their son, Owen, pose for a photo before the Spirit of America program Friday, July 4, 2014 in Cape Girardeau.

Jennifer and Aaron Palmer pose for a photo before the Spirit of America program Friday, July 4, 2014 in Cape Girardeau.