Heritage Days: A celebration of our history

September has been a very busy event-filled month for Cape Girardeau.

We hosted everything from "Tin Lizzie" Fords, antique car events, a tour stop for 100-year old motorcycles and other events that will culminate with Heritage Days this Thursday to Sunday.

I had the privilege of issuing a proclamation declaring these Heritage Days at our city council meeting on Sept. 19. I was joined, during the reading of the proclamation, by a group of volunteer leaders who have been instrumental in the planning of this significant event.

Our volunteers here in Cape Girardeau do so much and are invaluable to our continued growth and success, but that is to be a feature in future Mayor's Corner columns.

There are many events planned, which I will list later in this column, but we are privileged to be hosting two World War II icons in the LST Memorial 325 at the riverfront and the B-17 Flying Fortress at the airport.

The LST Memorial 325 was a participant in the D-Day invasion at Omaha Beach. Launched in 1942, this ship is the only remaining LST and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The 325 visited Cape Girardeau in 2003 and we certainly welcome it back to our riverfront from this Friday through Monday. It will be open for tours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and tickets may be purchased at the riverfront. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children. All veterans will go on board at no charge. There also will be a Military Vehicle Display complete with a living camp during this time at the corner of Broadway and Spanish.

Another icon, the B-17 Flying Fortress will be at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport today through Sunday. This plane was built during World War II and is one of only 10 B-17s remaining that are airworthy. The plane will be open for on-board ground tours each day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a suggested $5 donation. Rides will also be offered to the public with costs ranging from $425 to $850.

There will be an entire calendar of attractions planned this weekend that include events at Crisp Museum, Cape River Heritage Museum, Fort D, The Glenn House, Old St. Vincent's Church, Red House Interpretive Center, Old Lorimer Cemetery, Fairmont Cemetery, and the Flag House at 740 North St.

I would encourage citizens and visitors to go to the following web site for additional details and timing -- visitcape.com/heritagedays.

I would also call to your attention the kickoff event, which is a concert at the Common Pleas Courthouse Gazebo on Friday at 6:30 p.m. featuring music through the years narrated by Mark Twain. Several other artists and the Jerry Ford Swing Band will perform.

Please take advantage of these many opportunities to celebrate our local and national history during this weekend as we celebrate 2016 Heritage Days.

Harry E. Rediger is the mayor of Cape Girardeau.