Newspaper’s Spirit of America presentation to air Friday morning on radio show, online

For Facebook Live recording of conversation with David Cantrell, go to: https://www.facebook.com/semissourian/videos/647579415847123.

Navy veteran, businessman and community volunteer David Cantrell will be recognized with the Southeast Missourian’s Spirit of America Award at 8 a.m. today as part of Faune Riggin’s morning radio show.

The original presentation was to be at the City of Cape Girardeau’s Great American Fourth of July prior to fireworks, but the event was postponed due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19.

The show will air at 8 a.m. on KZIM/KSIM with Riggin and Southeast Missourian assistant publisher Lucas Presson. It will also be livestreamed on the Southeast Missourian’s Facebook page.

Several surprise call-in guests will join the program to congratulate Cantrell, the 18th recipient of the newspaper’s annual award that recognizes those who exemplify the spirit of America through patriotism, loyalty, generosity, civility and a strong work ethic.

Past Spirit of America award winners: Blair Moran (2019), Raymond Buhs (2018), Pete Poe (2017), Jim Bollinger (2016), Jerry Ford (2015), Mary Kasten (2014), Kenneth Bender (2013), Kent Zickfield (2012), David Hitt (2011), Rob Callahan (2010), Harry Rediger (2009), Jane Randol Jackson (2008), James Harnes Sr. (2007), Neal Edwards (2006), Melvin Gateley (2005), Dr. Dan Cotner (2004) and John “Doc” Yallaly (2003).