Silvey with the support of her family received the Sagamore of the Wabash award at the Lincoln Day Dinner.
Provided photos
HANCOCK COUNTY – Janice Silvey, chair for the Hancock County Republican Party, received the Sagamore of Wabash honor presented by Representative Bob Cherry and Senator Michael Crider on Friday night at the Lincoln Day Dinner.
Silvey said that while it wasn’t the biggest dinner they have hosted, approximately 250 people gathered to eat, fundraise and witness Silvey receive the honor of the Sagamore of the Wabash – something that she was completely unaware of.
Silvey said she knew someone was up to something when she saw her family, her husband, two sons and their partners, and two grandsons were at the dinner.
Silvey asked Sen. Crider to do a tribute for Rep. Cherry since this year will be his last serving in office, but toward the end of the speech, Sen. Crider switched over to speaking about Silvey, announcing the award.
“He (Crider) did talk about Bob (Cherry), but then at the end he started in and talking about the Sagamore and I thought, ‘Okay, this isn’t what he was supposed to be doing.’ And then I figured it out … that they had asked for it and were presenting it to me. I was shocked,” Silvey said.
According to in.gov, the Sagamore of the Wabash is an award in the highest honor, “which the Governor of Indiana bestows. It is a personal tribute usually given to those who have rendered a distinguished service to the state or to the governor.”
Those who have also received this award include “astronauts, presidents, ambassadors, artists, musicians, politicians and ordinary citizens who have contributed greatly to our Hoosier heritage.”
Written on the Sagamore of the Wabash award is, “Whereas, there has endeared herself to the Citizens of Indiana, one Janice Silvey distinguished by her Humanity in Living, her Loyalty in Friendship, her Wisdom in Council and Her Inspiration in Leadership.”
Silvey worked in the treasurer’s office for the county and celebrated her retirement last December. She also has served for 13 years as the chair of the Hancock County Republican Party – a total of 46 years in politics.
While Silvey said she isn’t sure who was involved in nominating her, she is appreciative of those who did and being able to have her family there at the dinner to share the experience.
“I really appreciate getting the award,” Silvey said. “I never thought about, dreamed about getting the Sagamore.”
