Many Callaway County residents recognize the name George W. Law because of the former sheriff's death in the line of duty when he was attacked by a mob while transporting a prisoner.
On Sept. 11, it will be Law's service as a lieutenant colonel in the Confederate Army that receives attention as he is highlighted during the dedication of Callaway's final Gray Ghosts Trail panel at the Callaway County Courthouse. Despite losing his left arm in combat, Law served as Callaway County sheriff from 1872-73.
Starting at 5:15 p.m. in front of the courthouse, the ceremony will serve both as a dedication of the "Callaway County Men at War" panel, as well as a tribute to currently serving law enforcement and emergency personnel. The Kingdom of Callaway Civil War Heritage has extended invitations to all area law enforcement officers, firefighters and first-responders to be special guests at the ceremony.
"We're talking about Lt. Col. and Sheriff George W. Law, and it seemed like a special time to honor them on 9-11," said Martin Northway, chairperson of the heritage group. "It will be respectful, but not mournful. We're really pleased to have this way of honoring these people."
Because of the location of the panel, Northway said this final dedication ceremony will "be a little more of a gala than those we've done before."