The True Meaning of Community and Hometown Heroes

My hometown of Brownsville, PA has always been alive and well in my heart and my memories. Years and hard times, however, have brought about change and challenge and left the little river town struggling. Yet it survives. To say it's thriving would be a stretch, but where there is life there is hope.

The hope of any community resides in the spirit of the people. That was never more evident to me than it was today. The entire town, along with surrounding communities, turned out to celebrate Jackie Conner Day. You're no doubt wondering, "Okay, who is Jackie Conner?" Having only met Jackie once, I won't pretend to know him. I can say that one meeting made an indelible impression on me. We were introduced, and Jackie offered me the brightest, most genuine smile I've ever seen.

When I became aware of the town's plans to celebrate Jackie Conner Day, I asked a few residents about Jackie. What makes him special so that he deserves a day in his honor? After all, he isn't a politician or a sports celebrity. What I learned was that Jackie, who is special needs, is a man who loves. He loves his family and friends, and he loves his hometown. And he acts on that love, always showing up to be of help for projects and events to improve the town in any way. I learned that Jackie has a perpetual smile on his face when he greets anyone--friend or stranger. I learned that Jackie can always be counted on to show up. I also sadly learned that Jackie is dealing with terminal illness, and his one wish was to have a big parade through town.

So, what did the people of Brownsville do? Well, they declared today Jackie Conner Day. And what a parade there was. Jackie, with his ever-present smile, served as Grand Marshal. He humbly accepted the love and well-wishes of all who came out to celebrate him.

Jackie brings out the best in people. That is obvious from the turnout of people who came to celebrate him--a simple man who does what he does without fanfare, who lives his life out of love for people and for his hometown.

Knowing more of Jackie's story has restored my hope for Brownsville. Seeing the way my hometown stepped up to celebrate Jackie in his lifetime has restored my faith in humanity. I am so proud to say that Brownsville, PA is my hometown.

Jackie is truly a special man who brought a community together by simply being himself--fully and simply and without guile or pretense. In a world often jaded by greed and harsh judgments and hate--be a Jackie. 

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Linda Rettstatt,

Author of these hometown novels: