A CITY FLAG FOR BIRTHPLACE OF STATE FLAG

Cape Girardeau is the birthplace of the Missouri state flag, which was conceived, designed and created by Marie Elizabeth Watkins Oliver of Cape Girardeau.

This state flag, which was adopted in 1913, remains a symbol of Missouri's indomitable spirit.

Vision 2000 wants the city of Cape Girardeau to have its own flag -- to fly atop city offices and businesses.

It only makes sense that a city with such a celebrated flag legacy has a standard of its very own.

Councilman Melvin Gateley -- who is perhaps the city's No.1 cheerleader -- is leading the flag charge. It's good to see he has recovered from recent surgery enough to jump back in the trenches again.

The project will involve the local class of 2000 -- sophomores who will graduate at the turn of the next century.

Gateley met recently with students from Central High School and Notre Dame High School, along with several adult leaders. The group is planning a competition among students for the art design of the flag.

The students will draw up guidelines on how to submit entries, and whether any particular colors or themes will be emphasized.

Other adults who want to work with these teen-agers on the flag competition are invited to join the Oct. 29 meeting at Central High School.

It is good to involve Cape Girardeau students in such a project. After all, today's youth will lead Cape Girardeau in the next century. This flag could be an bind between the generations.

Flags don't come and go with the wind. And neither should community spirit.