WALL OF FAME DEDICATED IN DOWNTOWN CEREMONY

More than 100 people gathered to dedicate the Missouri Wall of Fame in the Downtown Pavilion Friday afternoon.

The mural and a legend describing each portrait were dedicated during a noon ceremony under the pavilion, located at the corner of Independence and Water streets.

Jack Buck, a well-known sportscaster for the St. Louis Baseball Cardinals, was present to be recognized as one of the 45 Missourians featured in the mural.

"Any of you would be as honored as I to have such an honor given to you," Buck said.

Porter Wagoner, another Wall of Fame honoree, was unable to attend the ceremony due to illness.

Wagoner wrote in a faxed statement he would schedule a time to visit the mural later in the year.

Female astronaut and Cape Girardeau native Linda Godwin, and sports figures Yogi Bera and Joe Garagiola called to say they would be unable to attend the ceremony.

The mural, which was completed in October of 1995, features local or state celebrities who were either born in Missouri or achieved national or international fame or recognition while in Missouri.

The celebrities could have achieved fame in any field, including sports, government, science or the media.

Eleven of the 45 Missourian featured in the mural are still living.

"The River Heritage Mural Association is the be applauded for bringing this mural to Cape," said Cape Girardeau Mayor Al Spradling III. "We want the world to know where we are, and this mural is one example of the community spirit that exists here in Cape."

The mayor and representatives from the River Heritage Mural Association, the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Downtown Merchants Association and the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce were featured speakers during the ceremony.

"Part of our job is to market the city of Cape Girardeau," said John Mehner, president of the Chamber of Commerce, "and it's essential to have quality of life things to present to the businesses and people we work with. This mural is an excellent example of the quality of life of Cape Girardeau."

Mary Stucker, who was credited with the concept of the Wall of Fame featuring the Missouri flag, was presented a framed sketch drawing of the mural.

Buck and Margaret Randol Dement, the artist who designed the mural also received sketches.