ACTION SHOULD REPLACE WORDS AT OLD CEMETERY

Old Lorimier Cemetery has been a proud reminder of Cape Girardeau's rich heritage. On its slopes are the graves of many of Cape Girardeau's early settlers, including the city's founder, French-Canadian trader Louis Lorimier. Sadly, the almost-two-century-old cemetery has been trampled by vandalism and at times community neglect.

The cemetery has been the target of repeated vandalism over the years. The most recent incident came last week when 35 tombstones were toppled. At least 15 of them were broken into two or more pieces.

It's time to push ahead to protect this historic cemetery from the ravages of time and vandalism.

Thankfully, Cape Girardeau's Historic Preservation Commission may be resurrecting the fight to save this city landmark. Martha Bender said the group will tour the cemetery Wednesday with members of the state historic preservation division. Bender said preserving the cemetery will be a top priority of the group.

A citizens committee formed in 1989 to help save the cemetery may also be resurrected. The City Council and community leaders must also play a role in saving this historic landmark.

But these groups alone can't save Old Lorimier Cemetery. The community must become vocal about Lorimier and play a role in its preservation.

There are several reasons why Lorimier Cemetery deserves to be saved. Signposts of Cape Girardeau's past, these aging tombstones contain important historic data about early city residents.

For genealogists, cemeteries provide vital clues in unearthing family histories. For historians, they are precious reminders of a community's heritage.

The community and not just a handful of people need to be involved in the historic preservation effort.

Of course, much of the effort may come down to a matter of dollar and cents. One of the best deterrents to vandalism may be a sturdy fence around the property, but that would be expensive. Possible state grants for the preservation effort will be discussed with the state officials Wednesday.

To help build momentum, the city commission may also consider designating the cemetery as a city landmark. We hope this new effort will not bog down like a similar venture two years ago, headed up by the city park board. That effort died with little progress.

Now is the time to move ahead with preserving Old Lorimier Cemetery, before vandals make sure there's nothing left to save.