VETERANS HOME MARKS 10 YEARS

The Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau is truly a model for similar facilities around the nation. The home, prominently located at the U.S. 61 interchange at I-55, recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of admitting its first resident.

In the past decade, the veterans home has worked to provide outstanding care for area veterans, many of whom served in World War II. In addition to an outstanding 170-member staff, the home also boasts more than 260 volunteers. Indeed, this combination along with careful administration has produced an environment that is ranked as one of the top five such facilities in the nation.

That's a remarkable achievement.

More than that, the veterans living at the home benefit from generous donations from the community and the area. These funds are used to provide many extras for the residents.

The home here in Cape Girardeau is one of six such regional facilities. Until the 1980s, there was only one home for veterans in Missouri, at Mount Vernon. Then many of the 16.5 million Americans who served in World War II started needed such a facility.

The county donated land for the 150-bed veterans home, and federal funding paid most of the construction costs.

As a result of federal, state and local cooperation, Cape Girardeau not only has a fine home for veterans, but is also has an enviable track record of providing 10 years of special care for those who served their country through military service.

Congratulations are in order to everyone who has had a hand in making the veterans home here such a success. But particular thanks go to the administrators, staff and volunteers.

Finally, a special thanks to the residents of the home. It is particularly fitting to express our gratitude, during this week of national celebration, for their services in defense of our freedom and liberty.