OUR DAY IN THE SUN

The national spotlight shone brightly on Cape Girardeau Friday during a historic moment. It marked the first time the president and vice president of the United States had ever made a joint appearance in town. Bill and Hillary Clinton and daughter Chelsea, along with Al and Tipper Gore kicked off the first leg of their post-convention campaign. The town and region should be proud of its hospitable welcome.

Democrats and Republicans alike crowded into Capaha Park to get a glimpse of the Clinton-Gore bus tour. It was a red, white and blue day despite the heat and humidity. Crowd estimates were as high as 30,000.

Many wondered about the decision to hold the rally in the center of town. Some questioned the placement of the speakers' platform in Capaha Park. But the backdrop of stately trees, manicured homes and a well-trimmed park painted a perfect picture of Main Street America. The national attention was good for Cape Girardeau. Typically, it takes some kind of disaster to get this kind of national exposure.

It was clear why the bus tour began in Cape Girardeau. Practically every speaker, from the president on down, touted Emily Firebaugh in her 8th District congressional bid. The visit also demonstrated both the statewide and national significance of this area in the coming elections. Republicans have promised a big-name visitor in the coming months as well.

As expected, the speeches were decidedly political. But there were few partisan attacks. Cape Girardeau's most noted native, talk show host Rush Limbaugh, wasn't mentioned once. As at the just-ended Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Gore even had a few kind words for Bob Dole. But the theme repeated over and over was building a road to the 21st century. A mention was even made of Cape Girardeau's plan to build its new bridge across the Mississippi River. The fact the presidential caravan crossed the narrow old bridge may give the project funding a decided boost.

The crowd was a mix of old and young, well-to-do and blue collar, all craning to see the presidential seal. Everyone was excited. Even Missouri's secretary of state, Cape Girardeau County native Bekki Cook, said she had had trouble sleeping the night before. The crowd was thankfully well-mannered except for a few minor incidents.

The speeches of the president and vice president were short, about 10 minutes each. As the president finished, streamers shot out over the crowd, and red, white and blue balloons danced in the late August sky. A local high school band belted out John Philip Sousa's "Stars and Stripes Forever," and the crowd felt decidedly patriotic. It was hard not to get caught up in the moment.

As a nice surprise, the nation's leaders and their wives came off the stage and mingled with the hometown crowd -- shaking hands and kissing babies -- for more than 25 minutes. Most went away from the rally feeling that it was worth the time spent waiting.

Next week, the city will have to estimate the cost to taxpayers in terms of employee overtime and maintenance at the park. Nationally, taxpayers will pay a pretty penny for the tight security accompanying the bus tour across the Midwest. It will be interesting to tally the tab.

It was terrific that Cape Girardeau's moment in a hot August sun came off without a major hitch. The city did itself proud for the president's visit -- from the emergency medical staff and area high school bands to the police officers, volunteers and the crowd. It is a day that will long be remembered.