Honor real heroes with highway naming

A trend toward naming highways for famous Missourians or for those law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty has been gathering speed in our state.

More than 50 segments of state highways and bridges are named after people or events, most of which were approved in the last five years.

In this area, a portion of Interstate 55 in Perry County has been named after the late Trooper James Froemsdorf, who was killed in 1985 along that section of the highway about four miles north of Perryville. Missourians statewide mourned Froemsdorf, and it is fitting indeed that he would be so honored for having made the ultimate sacrifice.

Not necessarily in the same category is the recent trend to name highways for former lawmakers and highway commissioners, retired generals of less-than-national renown and obscure former ballplayers.

Mark McGwire Highway?

Sure.

Former highway commissioner Jay Dillingham Highway?

Not so fast.

Lawmakers mustn't get carried away. A little restraint, leavened with some well-considered judgment, is advisable. Otherwise, we run the risk of cheapening an honor that should be reserved only for the most deserving of our heroes.