News
Events
Resources
Contact Us
Pay Your Bill
Independence Logo

Harry S. Truman Award Commission

Duties of this Commission shall be to select the annual recipient of the Harry S. Truman Public Service Award, the City of Independence's highest civilian honor, by majority vote. Additionally, the Commission is responsible for arranging the presentation of the award.

Membership Information

The Commission shall consist of eight members who shall serve without compensation, including the Mayor, who shall be its Chairman, the Director of the Truman Library, and six other members to be appointed by the Council, two of whom may be non-residents. With the exception of the Director of the Truman Library and the Mayor, the members of the first Independence Harry S Truman Award Commission shall serve two for two years and two for four years; thereafter, the terms are four years.

Current Members:
  • VACANCY to be appointed by Councilmembers
  • VACANCY
  • VACANCY
  • Mayor Rory Rowland (Chair), term expires upon the end of the term in office
  • Mark Adams, Harry S. Truman Library & Museum Director
  • Senator John Rizzo, term expires June 1, 2026
  • Mark A. Scherer, term expires June 1, 2026
  • Charlie Shields, term expires June 1, 2026

Commission's Work & Outreach Efforts:

Awards
Harry S. Truman Public Service Award in which President Truman is depicted in a suit walking with his cane, in front of an American Flag.

The Harry S. Truman Public Service Award (Truman Award) is awarded by the Commission to an individual who best typifies and possesses the qualities of dedication, industry, ability honesty, and integrity that distinguished President Harry S. Truman.

The inaugural year of the award was 1974.

Find out more about the Truman award here.

Events
Former Missouri Governor Jay Nixon holding the Truman Award (bronze statuette of Truman walking) next to the life size Truman statue at the Harry St. Truman Public Library and Museum

Each year, the Commission holds a community-wide Harry S. Truman Public Service ceremony honoring the legacy of the 33rd U.S. President and his dedication to public service and those who have followed in his footsteps. The event includes the presentation of the Harry S. Truman Public Service Award and the Special Recognition Award. 

Find out more about the annual ceremony here.