JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, enlisted a group of persuasive advocates in his cause as he testified in favor of a resolution recognizing St. Joseph as the official starting point of the Oregon Trail. Seven girl scouts from his senate district took turns as witnesses in support of Senate Concurrent Resolution 28.
The measure recalls St. Joseph’s prominent role in America’s westward expansion and would officially declare the historic community to be the official starting point of the Oregon Trail. Nearly 200,000 pioneers left St. Joseph in covered wagons in the mid-19th century as they began an arduous journey West.
Although Sen. Luetkemeyer’s call for the official designation was joined by civic leaders and a local historian, the strongest advocates appearing before the Senate Rules Committee were eight members of Girl Scouts Troop 2801 in Parkville. Each girl took a turn at the witness table and recited a memorized fact about the history of the Oregon Trail.
“The girls are working on their Inside Government badges,” said troop leader Becky Criswell. “They’ve been learning about Missouri history and the importance St. Joseph had in the Oregon Trail. They think it would be awesome if St. Joe would be designated so we could get more education and awareness for other kids.”
Senator Luetkemeyer applauded the scouts for their enthusiasm for history and their participation in the legislative process.
“It’s terrific to see young people participating in government,” Luetkemeyer said. “Not only did they learn about the Oregon Trail, but they saw first-hand how laws are made. This experience will forever shape their understanding of what it means to petition the government for your interests.”
Contributed photo
Members of Girl Scout Troop 2801 from Parkville join Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer and Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe on the dais of the Missouri Senate chamber.