SERVING OTHERS IN NEED, WITH HONOR, WITH THEIR LIVES: ULTIMATE SERVICE

In a city where statues and monuments are plentiful, a new memorial in the state capital deserves notice. Dedicated last week was a monument paying homage to more than 500 Missouri law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty. In the shadow of the Capitol in Jefferson City, this memorial is a fitting tribute to those who dedicate themselves to this often dangerous profession.

Eight years in the planning, the memorial takes a rightful place on the Capitol grounds adjoining monuments honoring war veterans. The brainchild of a retired U.S. marshal, the project came to reality after $180,000 was raised from private sources.

Cape Girardeau finds itself no stranger to this sad recognition. Albert Demortiers (killed in 1917), Willis A. Martin (1921), Nathaniel Jefferson Hutson (1922), Herbert L. Goss (1961) and Donald Crittendon (1961) died while serving as police officers for the city. James Froemsdorf, born and raised in Cape Girardeau, was serving with the Missouri Highway Patrol when he was killed in the line of duty in 1985.

During a time in our history when Americans are crying out for law and order, the newly dedicated memorial in Jefferson City serves notice that the price of this desire is not small. It also reminds us that our appreciation for those who enforce the laws of our land should never diminish.