Holden names garden after former Gov. Mel Carnahan

Associated Press WriterJEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Citing the nation's own need for healing, Sen. Jean Carnahan on Monday praised her late husband's commitment to public service one year after his death.

Jean Carnahan was in the state capital as Gov. Bob Holden dedicated a plaque and renamed a garden in the shadow of the Governor's Mansion in honor of Mel Carnahan.

"The events of the last month have given us all time and cause for reflection," Carnahan said in referencing the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington.

"Grief has changed all of us in recent days. We are tear stained by tragedy but we are triumphant in spirit. We are confident that we will not only endure what has befallen us in recent days, but we will prevail in the latest test of who we are as Americans," she said.

Mel Carnahan, son Randy, and close aide Chris Sifford were killed Oct. 16 when the small plane they were riding in crashed during Carnahan's campaign for Senate.

Carnahan, a Democrat, won the election nonetheless against Republican John Ashcroft, and Jean Carnahan was named to serve in her husband's place.

The garden was completed in 1948 at a cost of $15,000 at the behest of Gov. Phil Donnelly and first lady Juanita Donnelly. Located east of the Capitol, the garden is used for special events including private weddings.

The Donnelly's son, David, was present for the dedication ceremony Monday. Also attending were Carnahan's sons Russ and Tom and his daughter, Robin, as well as several members of Holden's Cabinet and current and former staff who worked with Carnahan.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, many placed rocks on the garden's steps in memory of Carnahan.

A bronze plaque will be located near a pond at the center of the garden grounds. With a stone base pillar, the plaque will contain a picture of the late governor and the inscription quoting Carnahan: "I am enough of an idealist to believe that public service is good and noble and worthy of our lives."

Gov. Bob Holden said the dedication of the garden was a fitting way to memorialize Mel Carnahan.

"Our children, our grandchildren, and those who will follow them need to know how much they owe Mel Carnahan for the quality of life they will enjoy in the Missouri of tomorrow," Holden said. "Thank you governor Carnahan, for making a difference on our lives and the lives of Missourians."

Russ Carnahan, a freshman state lawmaker from St. Louis, said he appreciates the tributes to his father.

"I think about him. Not a day goes by that I don't think about him being there," Russ Carnahan said.

Colleagues and friends of the late governor also plan a candlelight vigil Tuesday night at the Capitol.

------On the Net:

Governor's Office: http://www.gov.state.mo.us