“We showed them what a small town with a big heart is made of”
From Jan Bierman Talbett,
I would like to wholeheartedly thank the residents of Whitesville for honoring me with the Citizen of the Year award. Words cannot begin to explain how appreciative I am.
Although, I’m afraid it was the most ungraceful acceptance of an award in history. All I could do was cough. There wasn’t any speech happening there. This virus that’s going around has gotten the best of me, I’m not able to even carry on a simple conversation. For once, I was speechless.
I do want to say how very thankful I am to be a resident of this wonderful and supportive community. No matter what crazy idea I come up with, this small town stands behind me and helps me see it through. Together we have accomplished great things. None of which could have happened without your support. I appreciate each, and every one of you.
You’ve sat through cow patty bingo in my yard, you have contributed to Chinese auctions, you’ve bought tickets, donated your money and time to make these dreams become a reality.
After the first Wreaths Across America, I was told that some people had talked and thought I may get 25 people to show up. When 150 of you showed up to honor our veterans…well, we showed them what a small town with a big heart is made of.
When over 200 people showed up the next year, even more so.
The support I received to help keep our cemetery going, and my endeavors to erect a veteran’s memorial in our cemetery was nothing short of amazing. I am so proud that we have been able to accomplish that, and in what I think is record time. Once again, this could not have been done without you.
My hopes are that this memorial will be, not only a place to sit and reflect upon our veteran’s, but also a place for people to sit and visit, in small town fashion.
Again, I am very honored to receive this award. There truly is nothing like a small town.
Thank you so very much.
