Celebrating the spirit of America with new award

The spirit of America is so broad, so inclusive, it nearly defies definition.

It's patriotic. It's loyal. It's entrepreneurial, giving and creative.

It's about defending freedom and exercising our rights as citizens of this great nation.

To salute that spirit, the Southeast Missourian has established the Spirit of America Award. Jon Rust, co-president of Rust Communications, said the award will be a powerful tribute to the man or woman who receives it.

"We believe in America, and we know there are American heroes living within our midst," he said. "As a nation, we've confronted who we are and what America should stand for. We have seen Americans come together in this time of crisis and do good and great things. This award will celebrate such greatness."

The newspaper will accept nominations only from clubs and organizations. The group that nominates the winner will receive a $1,000 cash award for its activities.

A nomination form is on Page 4B of today's Southeast Missourian.

The five finalists will be named in the special Spirit of America edition of the Southeast Missourian, to be published July 1, and the winner will be named during the July 4 Libertyfest celebration in downtown Cape Girardeau.

In addition, the newspaper is inviting everyone in the area to submit 250-word essays on the topic "Why I Love America." The essays will be published in the Spirit of America edition.

Send your essays, along with your name and contact information, to: Southeast Missourian, Heidi Hall, P.O. Box 699, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702.