Mary Kasten, new movie and service for state senators

Congratulations to Mary Kasten for winning the Southeast Missourian Spirit of America award. Like the energizer bunny, she keeps going in promoting things that are good for America, Missouri and Cape Girardeau.

About 50 years ago, Mary and her husband Mel were part of a small group in which I participated in studying Americanism and the communist threat.

Over the years if it had to do with God or country you would find Mary there. Thanks, Mary, for your continued active concern and involvement.

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I encourage you to attend the new documentary movie "America."

Dinesh D'Souza, who immigrated legally from India, takes you through accusations made by "progressives" about America and will broaden your understanding of history.

I was halfway through the same titled book when I saw the movie and wondered how it would adapt to a movie, as he discusses six (he calls them myths) about America.

You will at first be uncomfortable but then enlightened, as to some of the "myths" and then become better educated as to the historic events discussed.

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War hero, Olympian Louis Zamperini died recently. The subject of the best-selling book "Unbroken" (more than two years on the best-selling list) is being made into a movie to be released Christmas Day. An inspirational book of survival -- spiritual and physical.

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A Memorial Service for distinguished former Missouri state senators who have died since May 1987 was held in Jefferson City, Missouri, this spring.

Six honored from Southeast Missouri included: Earl Blackwell, 1958-1972, from the 22nd district (which includes Perry County); Leo Rozier, 1951-1958, from the 22nd district; James F. Patterson, 1951-1972, from the 25th district (which included Bollinger County); and the following from the 27th district, which includes Cape Girardeau County.

The following is excerpted from an April column by state Sen. Wayne Wallingford.

Durward W. Gilmore, served from 1949-1951

Durward W. Gilmore served the people of the 27th District (Cape Girardeau, Mississippi and Scott counties). Born in East Prairie, he received his education from East Prairie public schools; the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland; the University of Missouri; and Washburn College in Topeka, Kansas, earning a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1938. He was an attorney; served in the U.S. Navy from 1941-1945 during World War II; and a commanding officer of the U.S. Naval Reserve Division in Cape Girardeau. Sen. Gilmore served as prosecuting attorney of Scott County from 1947-1948. He was elected to the Senate in 1948, and resigned in 1951 when he was appointed to the circuit court (Democrat).

Albert M. Spradling Jr., served from 1952-1976

Albert M. Spradling Jr. served the people of the 27th District (Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Mississippi, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott and Wayne counties). Born in Cape Girardeau, he received his education from Cape Girardeau public schools; Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau; and the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree. Sen. Spradling began practicing law with his family in 1942. He was a special agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 1942-1945. In 1945 Sen. Spradling began practicing law in Cape Girardeau and later was appointed city attorney of Cape Girardeau, serving from 1948-1952. He was elected to the Senate to complete an unexpired term. Sen. Spradling was re-elected to the Senate in 1952, 1956, 1960, 1964, 1968 and 1972. During the 71st and 72nd General Assemblies, he served as President Pro Tem (Democrat).

John Dennis, served from 1977-1992

John Dennis served the people of the 27th District (Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Mississippi, New Madrid and Scott counties). Born in Patton, he attended schools in Blodgett and Morely. During World War II, Sen. Dennis served three years in the U.S. Army at Ft. Riley, Kansas; and three years in the Marine Corps in the South Pacific and China. He served as Scott County sheriff for 24 years. Sen. Dennis was elected to the Senate in 1976 and served as Majority Caucus Chairman. (Democrat).

Gary Rust is chairman of the board of Rust Communications, which owns the Southeast Missourian, as well as a member of the editorial board.