Details of today's dedication ceremony from start to finish

Unless foul weather changes the plans, three flatbed trailers positioned midspan in the eastbound lanes of the bridge will serve as the stage for an array of dignitaries, including both Missouri senators and the late congressman's widow, U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, and their family. Five-hundred-seventy-five chairs will be available for the audience. The public is asked to bring lawn chairs. Standing room will be available.

Ten propane heaters and a concessionaire selling hot drinks will help fend off today's cold.

Many local, regional and state organizations and agencies have been planning the dedication ceremony for the past two years.

The speeches by dignitaries are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Two old friends of Bill Emerson, Missouri's two Republican senators, "Kit" Bond and Jim Talent, will speak along with the late congressman's widow. She will use a grinder to cut a cable to officially open the bridge.

The Cpl. Mason O. Yarbrough Detachment No. 1081 of the Marine Corps League will present the colors.

The Rev. Paul Kabo, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church and president of the Downtown Ministerial Alliance, will give the invocation and, Knudtson will lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

Lloyd Smith, who was U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson's chief of staff and is U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson's chief of staff, will make the opening and closing remarks. His wife, Marlys Smith, will sing "Amazing Grace." She sang at the late congressman's funeral. Sikeston, Mo., native and former Southeast Missouri State University student Neal Boyd, now an opera student at the New England Conservatory of Music, will sing the National Anthem. Rodger Dale Pritchett, a Kennett, Mo., man who wrote the commemorative song, "A Strong Handshake," also will sing.

Other speakers are Barry Orscheln, chairman of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission, and David Phelps, assistant secretary of Illinois' Department of Transportation.

The Emerson family and representatives of the Missouri Department of Transportation and the Illinois Department of Transportation will be present.