BICENTENNIAL GROUP WILL NUTURE UNDERSTANDING

History brings with it not only memories of times gone by but direction for life as we now know it, and as we will know it. The past finds a bridge to the future; understanding the places we've been helps us know a bit more about where we're going. A celebration of the bicentennial of Louis Lorimier's settlement, what would become Cape Girardeau, is now in the planning stages and will be more than a nod to antiquity; it will provide us a broader perspective on this community. We applaud the citizen efforts under way to arrange this observance.

Cape Girardeau is a city rich with history. It is apparent to us in the community's physical character: the majestic river, the Glenn House, Old St. Vincent's Church and the riverfront seminary. It is also evident in local attitudes; citizens here continually exhibit interest in their heritage, whether through historic preservation groups, downtown redevelopment or, now, through a Bicentennial Commission. It is a meaningful civic pursuit.

The commission was formed in July by the City Council and has been meeting on a regular basis. Cape Girardeau will mark the 200th year of its ~e~stablishment as a settlement beginning next fall and lasting through 1993. (Incorporation papers for Cape Girardeau were not actually filed until 1808, some 15 years after Louis Lorimier received his commission from the Province of Louisiana and Western Florida, to set up a trading post in what is now our downtown. The city's centennial was celebrated in 1906 and the sesquicentennial in 1956. These confusing circumstances will, no doubt, spawn some spirited historical discussion on the timing of the imminent celebration. On the bright side, this induced dialogue might further the aims of the commission.)

Aside from the uncertainty, the objectives for the celebration are estimable: to refresh the public's knowledge of local heritage, to gain a better understanding of life at the time of this area's settlement and to, in the words of the commission, foster a "sense of community." The commission is calling for citizen input on how to make this celebration relevant and worthy of Cape Girardeau. The group is open for ideas. We appreciate their efforts in building a foundation for learning more about this community.