Name that building

The nondescript federal building on Broadway in Cape Girardeau was never named for anyone. It was built in the 1960s before the federal government began naming buildings for people.

The grand new federal courthouse headed for completion at Independence and Frederick streets deserves a name. The naming will come as a congressional request.

Many federal courthouses are named for U.S. congressmen, senators and judges. But not all are. The Nakamura U.S. Courthouse in Seattle is named for a Japanese-American World War II hero who was killed in action. The Metropolitan King County Council unanimously passed a motion urging Congress to name the building for Nakamura.

The Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce could play a role in helping compile a list of names to be submitted for consideration. The chamber took great interest in the lighting and dedication of the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge. The celebration was a tremendous success in good part due to the chamber's efforts.

The region has produced many people deserving of having the building named for them.