BOY SCOUTS UNVEIL LADY LIBERTY AT CAPAHA PARK FREEDOM CORNER

The arm of liberty was symbolically strengthened on Nov. 5, 1950, when a replica of the Statue of Liberty was presented to Cape Girardeau by local Scouts.

Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts presented a bronze replica of the statue during a well-attended ceremony at the southeast corner of Capaha Park. The statue was one of many replicas presented by Scouts throughout the country "to strengthen the arm of liberty."

The replica is 8 feet, 4 inches tall from base to torch, and the base is some 5 feet high. Stonework was done by Denzil Slinkard and Finis Davidson of Cape Girardeau, and construction and excavation was completed by William Gerhardt.

Near the base of the replica is a bronze plaque that reads: With the faith and courage fo their forefathers who made possible the freedom of these United States, the Boy Scouts of America dedicate this copy of the Statue of Liberty as a pledge of everlasting fidelity and loyalty. 40th anniversary crusade to strengthen the arm of Liberty, 1950."

Nearly 300 Scouts marched through the city to the site of the dedication ceremony. An estimated 1,000 Cape Girardeans attended the outdoor ceremony despite cold weather and blustery winds.

President W.W. Parker of State College presided over the program, which included a performance by the Municipal Band. Jack Himmelberger and Mayor Walter H. Ford unveiled the statue, followed by a formal presentation of the replica by Himmelberger.

The statue was positioned near four brick columns bearing the names of soldiers killed in action during World Wars I and II. Rush H. Limbaugh referred to the site as Freedom Corner during his dedicatory address. The site continues to bear that name.

During his speech, Limbaugh cited the significance of the original statue. Work on the original Statue of Liberty was completed in 1886 and was supported by funding from France. The statue stands on Bedloe's Island, now Liberty Island, in New York Harbor.

The original statue has welcomed thousands of immigrants arriving at Ellis Island who were looking for freedom and prosperity in "the land of opportunity." The inscription on the statue reads: "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore, Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me: I lift my lamp beside the golden door."

Limbaugh also spoke of "troubled times," a reference to the Korean War, which the United States had become involved in four months earlier.

At the time of his speech, Pfc. Richard Wilson had been the only Cape Girardeau soldier to die in the conflict. Within two weeks, three more local residents would be killed.