Nominate now for Spirit of America

The Southeast Missourian is again accepting nominations for our annual Spirit of America Award.

The award was established in 2003. It recognizes people who have demonstrated a patriotic commitment to service, whether through community involvement or military service.

Civic organizations are encouraged to submit nominations. The nominating organization of the award recipient will receive $1,000. Individuals also may nominate a candidate. If nominated by an individual, the winner will select a charitable organization to receive the cash prize. Nominees from past years may be nominated again.

The deadline for nominations is June 12. The winner will be announced in the newspaper July 3 and will be recognized at the city's Fourth of July celebration.

Past recipients include John "Doc" Yallaly, Dr. Dan Cotner, Melvin Gateley, Neal Edwards, James Harnes Sr., Jane Randol Jackson, Harry Rediger, Rob Callahan, David Hitt and Kent Zickfield. Last year's winner was Ken Bender, a World War II veteran and active member of several community organizations.

Please consider the great people who have influenced your life and the lives of others. Take a few minutes to nominate. Go to semissourian.com/forms/spirit to nominate someone today, or check the Southeast Missourian for forms that will periodically run in the newspaper.

Thank you in advance to those who nominate individuals. And thank you to all who advance the spirit of America in our communities and neighborhoods.