Edwards' spirit

At Libertyfest earlier this week, Neal Edwards became the fourth recipient of the Spirit of America Award.

The Missouri Veterans Home has been the focus of much of Edwards' volunteer work, but the World War II veteran has raised more than $1 million for different causes over his lifetime. The Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce, the Exchange Club, the Southeast Missouri State University Booster Club and the United Way Board of Directors are some of the other organizations Edwards has devoted time to.

The Southeast Missourian presents the award annually to a community member who exemplifies the best of the American spirit. The newspaper is donating $1,000 to the veterans home, which nominated Edwards for the award.

Edwards joins John "Doc" Yallaly, Dr. Dan Cotner and Melvin Gateley as recipients of the award.