Letter to the Editor

Expand tribute?

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Dear Editor,

Please join me in expressing appreciation to Dr. Mike Nielsen for the thoughtful suggestion he presented in the Open Forum section of the Monday, Nov. 19 issue of the McCook Gazette.

I totally agree with Dr. Nielsen that a large memorial to our veterans would be an excellent part of the Eternal Light Display planned as a lasting tribute site in McCook.

When I first thought about McCook being the site of a tribute to Rural Electrification and Sen. George Norris, I envisioned an eternal light, always shining to remind the world of the tremendous importance of rural electrification and the accomplishments of Sen. Norris, who I regard as the greatest legislator in the history of America.

But, after reading Dr. Mike's suggestion, I thought: "Why not? Why restrict the tribute site to just REA and Sen. Norris? Why not use the site to express appreciation to the many other wonderful people and organizations that we, as McCookites and Americans, are thankful for?"

McCook City Councilman Jerry Calvin had an excellent idea, too. When I ran into Jerry at the bakery the other day, he suggested that we create a park where the former McCook landfill was located. The idea, which Jerry first heard expressed by Rex Nelson of the McCook Economic Development Corp., would be a great place for McCook to welcome the many visitors we hope come to see the tribute site.

When Rex first told Jerry about the idea, his vision was that the west McCook roadside park would be similar to Karrer Park on the east side of town. Karrer Park, named in honor of an outstanding McCook mayor and physician, Dr. F.M. Karrer, has been a tremendous public relations boost for the city, attracting travelers who would otherwise stay on Interstate Highways 70 and 80.

One last thought before I close. Following up on Dr. Nielsen's suggestion to expand the purpose of the Eternal Light Display, why not also include a tribute to Harry Strunk and the Republican Valley Conservation Association? The contributions that Harry and the RVCA made live on, changing our lives through conservation, recreation and flood control.

Thanks, Dr. Mike. Your thoughts are inspirational. With great anticipation, I predict that many other citizens of the Golden Plains will put their thinking caps on, too, coming up with more outstanding ideas to honor the accomplishments of people and organizations in the Golden Plains of America.

Respectfully

submitted,

Gene O. Morris, Chairman

George W. Norris Foundation

McCook, Nebraska

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