It was worth the wait.
There was a sense of restlessness in the crowd last Wednesday afternoon as a capacity crowd awaited the arrival of President Bill Clinton to the Truman Library. But even as the sun grew warmer as it lowered in the afternoon sky and the nearness of your neighbor became more noticeable, the anticipation of witnessing the presentation of the Harry S Truman Award for Public Service trumped the discomfort. While the fidgeting rivaled that of a kindergarten classroom, scarcely a soul bailed out during the hour-long delay of the afternoon program.
During his years in the White House President Clinton was many things. Prompt was not one of them.
True to form, the former president was behind schedule, but his tardiness was swiftly forgiven. Delivering a powerful and persuasive message emphasizing the critical importance of citizen engagement in today's political, economic, and social climate President Clinton drew on his personal experiences and his vast knowledge of American history to inspire the audience to community activism.
Frequently referencing the character and accomplishments of President Truman as a War World I soldier, a public servant, and a private citizen, President Clinton displayed his oratory mastery in seamlessly weaving the events and lessons of history into a modern call to action.
Independence has been a place of significance to President Clinton, who made it a scheduled stop during his successful presidential campaigns and has returned on several other occasions, many of them honoring Harry Truman. But even those present Wednesday who had been in the presence of President Clinton on previous occasions were far from nonchalant, understanding the tremendous prestige of the award and the remarkable collaboration required to select and secure each year’s recipient.
The Harry S Truman Award for Public Service was established by the city of Independence in 1974 to recognize an elected or appointed public servant who demonstrates the qualities of Harry Truman.
Receiving the inaugural award was Henry Kissinger, who was joined over the ensuing years by some of the nation’s most well-known and respected political and civic leaders. The Harry S Truman Awards Commission is chaired by Mayor Don Reimal. Other members of the commission are Dr. Michael Devine, director of the Truman Library, and citizens Molly Clemons, Helen French, Robert Reeds, and Mark Scherer.
Following the award presentation and address, President Clinton briefly toured the Truman Library, visiting the gravesites of the Truman family and viewing exhibits, including the replica of Truman's Oval Office.
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It was worth the wait.
There was a sense of restlessness in the crowd last Wednesday afternoon as a capacity crowd awaited the arrival of President Bill Clinton to the Truman Library. But even as the sun grew warmer as it lowered in the afternoon sky and the nearness of your neighbor became more noticeable, the anticipation of witnessing the presentation of the Harry S Truman Award for Public Service trumped the discomfort. While the fidgeting rivaled that of a kindergarten classroom, scarcely a soul bailed out during the hour-long delay of the afternoon program.
During his years in the White House President Clinton was many things. Prompt was not one of them.
True to form, the former president was behind schedule, but his tardiness was swiftly forgiven. Delivering a powerful and persuasive message emphasizing the critical importance of citizen engagement in today's political, economic, and social climate President Clinton drew on his personal experiences and his vast knowledge of American history to inspire the audience to community activism.
Frequently referencing the character and accomplishments of President Truman as a War World I soldier, a public servant, and a private citizen, President Clinton displayed his oratory mastery in seamlessly weaving the events and lessons of history into a modern call to action.
Independence has been a place of significance to President Clinton, who made it a scheduled stop during his successful presidential campaigns and has returned on several other occasions, many of them honoring Harry Truman. But even those present Wednesday who had been in the presence of President Clinton on previous occasions were far from nonchalant, understanding the tremendous prestige of the award and the remarkable collaboration required to select and secure each year’s recipient.
The Harry S Truman Award for Public Service was established by the city of Independence in 1974 to recognize an elected or appointed public servant who demonstrates the qualities of Harry Truman.
Receiving the inaugural award was Henry Kissinger, who was joined over the ensuing years by some of the nation’s most well-known and respected political and civic leaders. The Harry S Truman Awards Commission is chaired by Mayor Don Reimal. Other members of the commission are Dr. Michael Devine, director of the Truman Library, and citizens Molly Clemons, Helen French, Robert Reeds, and Mark Scherer.
Following the award presentation and address, President Clinton briefly toured the Truman Library, visiting the gravesites of the Truman family and viewing exhibits, including the replica of Truman's Oval Office.
