Independence honors Esther George; city posthumously recognizes Molly Clemens with Truman award

Esther George accepted the Harry S. Truman Public Service Award at a presentation hosted at the Harry S. Truman Library in Independence, while the family of the late Molly Clemens received a posthumous special recognition.

The award was presented by Mayor Roy Roll and City Manager Zach Walker, who called the event “a celebration of the exceptional dedication and commitment to public service.” Zach Walker said the ceremony honored “the remarkable Esther George and the late great Molly Clemens.”

The Truman Public Service Award recognizes individuals who exemplify values the city associates with President Harry S. Truman. Mayor Roy Roll said the award spotlights qualities including “dedication, industry, ability, honesty, and integrity,” adding that he would also describe Truman as possessing “grit.” Roll praised Esther George’s tenure, noting she joined the Federal Reserve in 1982 and led the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City for more than a decade.

Roll defended the Federal Reserve’s record in the face of public criticism: “the Federal Reserve made that crisis much less,” he said, referring to the role the Fed played in softening economic shocks. Dr. Kurt Graham, speaking earlier, framed the Truman Library as an appropriate setting and said honoring public servants there is “very, very appropriate.”

Ron Clemens accepted the special recognition for his late wife, Molly Clemens, recounting her work in journalism education, her leadership roles with local organizations and the upcoming dedication of a multipurpose room in her memory. “I graciously accept it, and thank you very much,” Ron Clemens said on behalf of his wife.

Esther George described the honor as humbling and reflected on Truman’s public-service values and the Fed’s evolving role. “I am a lifelong Missourian,” she said, and she invoked historical episodes — including the 1951 Treasury–Fed accord and the Fed’s later role in combating inflation — to place the award in a broader civic context.

The program included an invocation and benediction by Pastor Alex Gilpin of Revive Church, remarks from Zach Walker and Dr. Kurt Graham, and concluded with attendees asked to stand for the colors. No formal votes or policy actions were taken at the event; it was a ceremonial presentation celebrating public-service leadership.