A fitting tribute to a great man

With Democratic and Republican governors and senators sitting side-by-side, it was fitting Friday for the memorial services of former Nebraska Gov. Frank B. Morrison to conclude with singing of the "Auld Lang Syne."

At the request of Gov. Morrison -- who planned his own memorial program -- the singing of the traditional song of friendship was led by Bill Orr, husband of former Nebraska Gov. Kay Orr.

The Orrs are Republicans. Morrison was a Democrat. And that is specifically why Frank wanted Bill Orr to lead the singing. The governor realized that people are above parties, and, at some point, the citizens of the world must unite for the greater good of mankind.

Throughout the service, Gov. Morrison was praised as a man who was larger than life ... in his views about the present and in his vision for the future. And, because of the inspiration he provided, a movement is now afoot to create a statue in his memory.

Upon returning from the memorial service, Dr. John Batty started the project in motion. As envisioned by Dr. Batty, a life-size statue of Gov. Morrison should be created for placement on the open lot located northwest of Norris Park.

Dr. Batty, a long-time friend and admirer of Morrison, estimates the statue could be created and installed for between $50,000 and $60,000.

"Because of the high regard in which the governor is held, raising the money will not be a problem." Dr. Batty said.

The place Dr. Batty favors for the Morrison statue is appropriate. The lot -- located on the corner of Norris Avenue and H Street -- occupies a prominent location in "Heritage Square," the historical area surrounding Norris Park. Appropriately, the name, Heritage Square, was conceived by Maxine Morrison, Frank's wife of 68 years.

After their long and active lives, the Morrisons died within one month and one day of each other: Maxine in March and Frank in April of 2004.

Dr. Batty's statue suggestion is an excellent idea and needs to be followed up on by the community and friends and admirers of Gov. Morrison from throughout the state and nation.

It is indeed fortunate that Gov. Morrison's children, Frank Morrison Jr., better known as Biff; David Jon and Jean Galloway, are committed to the McCook area, and have invested in the community. In fact, Biff owns the corner property on Heritage Square where Dr. Batty proposes that the statue be located.

The Morrison statue project needs to happen. Gov. Morrison had a grand vision for this state, this nation and this world. The statue will remind this generation and generations to come of the great things which we can accomplish by working together.