MULE, SQUARE DANCE

It seems like many months ago that American Legion members in Cape Girardeau decided to make an all-out effort to have the mule designated as the state animal. But it really wasn't all that long ago, and the General Assembly was in an accommodating mood this past session. The mule's designation was approved, and Gov. Carnahan signed the bill a few days ago.

The same legislative session also saw the square dance designated as the state's official dance. Square dancers all over the state, including hundreds of dedicated dancers in the bright costumes and layers of petticoats from Southeast Missouri, danced a jig for joy.

The mule and the square dance join other official emblems of the Show Me State: Dogwood (tree), honey bee (insect), black walnut (nut), bluebird (bird), hawthorn (flower), "The Missouri Waltz" (song), galena (mineral), mozarkite (rock) and crinoid (fossil).

There are probably many more possible additions to the list, and there always will be groups making proposals. If they want to be successful, they should study the fine efforts of the American Legion and square dancers during this past year.