I am honored to stand before you today to present the annual Major Stephen Reich Award for Exceptional Citizenship.  Thank you all for your enthusiastic support of this award.  We had a record 30 nominations this year in support of 7 candidates.  The commitment to volunteerism and civic engagement in Washington never ceases to amaze me.  We are honored that remembering Stephen with this award has come to represent such a high honor in Washington.

“Freedom is not free.” That’s a phrase we’ve all heard many, many times. But we don’t often consider who pays the cost of that freedom. Very few Americans swear an oath to defend our country. And of these patriots, unfortunately some lose their lives serving the nation. Every year, on Memorial Day, we do our best to honor the fallen. It’s a day of solemn remembrance. A day to acknowledge the opportunities we enjoy, thanks to the actions of these few courageous individuals. With so many Americans enjoying the freedom provided by so few, I am reminded of my favorite Winston Churchill quote.  In referencing the nation saving contribution of the RAF during the battle of Britian, Churchill said “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed, by so many, to so few.”  I certainly think this applies today to the sacrifices of our fallen heroes and their Gold Star families.

Major Reich is the embodiment of this kind of service.  Not only did he serve with distinction on the battlefield, but his legacy extends far beyond that.  His life serves as an enduring example of what it means to serve with honor, integrity, and unwavering dedication. For those who knew him, Major Reich was not just a soldier; he was a beloved son, a cherished friend, and a role model. His kindness, humility, and sense of humor left a lasting impact on everyone he encountered.  His spirit lives on in the hearts of all who knew him and in the ideals he so valiantly upheld.

Honoring Major Reich’s service is a tall task.  But year in and year out, you, the people of Washington have answered the call.  As I mentioned, we had a record number of nominations this year, which made our committee’s decision incredibly difficult.  Each candidate has made a meaningful contribution to our Washington community.  This year’s recipient is no different.

Our award winner moved to Washington in 1978 and raised his family here.   His love of nature led him to lifelong support of Washington and its natural resources.  To that end, our recipient has been an active member on the town’s inland wetlands commission many years and now serves as its chairperson.  Under his leadership, the commission carries out its mission with vigor.  All projects and site walks are carried out thoroughly with the main goal of protecting Washington’s precious water courses and surrounding land.  The beauty of Washington’s environs are better off due to winner’s efforts in this arena.

This year’s recipient is also an active volunteer for the Building and Property Commissionfor many years.  This commission’s duty is to review, recommend and oversee improvements to town owned buildings and properties.  Again, our award winner was drawn to an activity where he could help protect the beauty and community of Washington.

We always frame our award around Stephen’s four best attributes, Character, Leadership, Service and Achievement.  Our award winner has demonstrated those qualities over the last many decades of his endless and selfless contribution to Washington and our community.   Across all his accomplishments, he has always sought ways to improve our town, help others in need and do as much as he could without seeking recognition or the spotlight.  I heard from many people that he was basically on speed dial for anyone in the town hall that needed to get something done right.  It is exactly this call to citizenship that embodies Stephen’s call to serve.  And it is one of the qualities that makes Washington exceptional.

I am pleased to announce this year’s winner of the Major Stephen Reich Award for Exceptional Citizenship: Bob Papsin.