`I BELIEVE IN AMERICA' PAYS HOMAGE TO GOD, COUNTRY, FLAG

After running through a history of humorous foibles attributed to several of the somewhat mediocre former presidents of the United States, Mark Cook succinctly summarized the eccentricity of our leaders: "No wonder we say in God we trust."

Cook served as narrator for the musical performance "I Believe in America," which opened Wednesday night at the First General Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau before an audience of about 270 people.

Although the show occasionally pokes fun at Americans and some of our peculiarities, the message of the show is one of patriotic pride in the nation.

"We are people who love our God and country and pledge allegiance to both," Cook said during the performance.

"I Believe in America" is a compilation of patriotic songs and readings performed by Freedom Celebration '95, a collection of people from several area churches. Performances continue nightly through Saturday at First General Baptist at 1812 Cape La Croix Road.

"People from 10 different churches worked on the performance, so it was not just First General Baptist. It was a real community effort," said Jim Weatherly, a member of the Freedom Celebration '95 choir.

This is the seventh year for the patriotic show, which always coincides with Independence Day.

"We want to show our appreciation for our freedom as Americans and express our appreciation to God for allowing us to be Americans," Weatherly said.

One of the most poignant parts of the performance is a reading from Johnny Cash's "Ragged Old Flag" by Otto Lape of the First General Baptist Church of Jackson.

The poem describes the hardship and tribulations the U.S. flag has flown over during the many wars and battles in the country's history, and it serves as a reminder of the symbolic role that the flag serves.

"It's the second greatest thing in the world to me," Lape said following the performance. Country, he continued, is second only to God.

As a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, Lape is keenly aware of the freedom embodied in the flag and the steep price that its preservation demands.

"I think it just makes me appreciate what it stands for more after seeing what some other countries are like," Lape said. "I'd do it again proudly."

Advance reservations are required to attend the remaining performances of "I Believe in America," and can be made by calling 334-2234. Admission is $2.