SCHOOL CHILDREN, BLUNT DESERVE PRAISE FOR FLAG

There's been a lot of flag waving going on lately. But what makes a flag observance in Cape Girardeau today a little bit different is the flag itself.

Secretary of State Roy Blunt will debut the recently refurbished Missouri state flag at an assembly this afternoon at Franklin School.

It seems fitting that Blunt will share the flag with Cape Girardeau school children today. It was school children across the state who raised money to restore the original flag. And it was a Cape Girardeau woman - Marie Elizabeth Oliver - who designed the flag. It was approved by the legislature as the official state flag in 1913.

In terms of the state budget, the $9,200 restoration price tag would have been easy for the state to absorb. But back in the spring of 1988, Blunt asked fourth, fifth and sixth graders who were studying state history in school to lead the fund-raising campaign.

The fact these Missouri school children raised the money and saved the flag will make it all the more special to them. It's a history lesson they'll long remember.

It seems appropriate to unveil the restored flag in its hometown, as Blunt marks an end to the two-year state project. After all, the secretary of state kicked off the campaign in Cape Girardeau in March of 1988 at Washington School. Local students were active in helping to raise funds.

This project helped bring government closer to Missouri's young citizens. It's good to show youngsters that they can have an impact on preserving our state's heritage. Blunt's contact with the students is also meaningful. It shows government doesn't always operate from an ivory tower - far away from the people.

Cape Girardeau remains proud of its connection to the state flag.

The original flag remained with Mrs. Oliver until her death in 1961. Her family then donated the flag to the state, where it remained on display until 1980. At that time, its deteriorating condition forced its removal from public display.

It is heartening to see this original flag receive this new lease on life thanks to Missouri's children. We are grateful they have saved a lasting symbol of Missouri's history.