Roundtable works to restore Fort D

To the editor:I would like to express our appreciation to the Southeast Missourian and reporter Matt Sanders for the May 1 article on Fort D Days.

It is a pleasure for our members to be a part of the restoration of the site. A few years ago, our organization adopted Fort D as our project for cleanup, restoration and improvement. Scott and Patti House took the lead. Due to their dedication, the work performed by parks department personnel and the hundreds of volunteer hours roundtable members have given, the site has become one of the most interesting and educational sites in the city. Proof of that is the number of attendees during last year's Fort D Days and the projected attendance for 2007. Comments from past attendees were positive and encouraging.

The site also has been host to a number of school groups, indicating a renewed educational interest in that critical period of our nation's history. We try to staff those visits with our members, some in period clothing, to lend a feeling of authenticity. These guides inform the groups of the historical and military significance of the site. There are interpretive signs on the grounds giving thoroughly researched historical documentation. More are planned.

It is the intent of our organization to increase the historical interest of Fort D. We welcome all comments and suggestions. Send them to us at P.O. Box 812, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63702.

Our meetings are usually held at 2 p.m. on the third Sunday of each month at Hanover Lutheran Church. Visitors are always welcome.

CLARENCE "DUB" SUEDEKUM, President, Cape Girardeau Civil War Roundtable