| Letter from Molly Latty |
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Hello, my name is Molly Latty. I am 17 years old and I go to Lowry High School. I’ve lived in Winnemucca for about 12 years and have always heard stories about Sarah Winnemucca, but was never motivated to further research her life until I was 11. When I was eleven years old, as a part of a Girl Scout project, I wrote to the State Legislature to encourage and express my support for the building of a statue of Sarah Winnemucca and its placement in the capitol building. It wasn’t long before the letter I wrote left my mind. However, four years later when I was 15, I was informed that my letter helped in the decision to go through with the project. I was invited to attend the statue’s unveiling and dedication in Washington D.C., as well as the dedication of a replica in Carson City a short time later. While in D.C., I was able to meet with Senator Reid, Senator Ensign, and other political figures and new people. I toured parts of the capitol building and saw the statues from each of the states, as well as the inside of the Rotunda, which is full of historical artwork and was where the dedication itself was. My family and I saw the sights of the city, Smithsonians, museums, and memorials. I’m very grateful to the community for helping me to get to D.C.; the experience was something I won’t forget.Sarah Winnemucca was an amazing woman. In her time, it was hardly normal for a woman to be as educated and active as she was, let alone a Native American woman. Yet, in spite of the obstacles that limited most like Sarah, she was able to overcome them and become an overwhelming success in all she did. She fought ceaselessly for the rights of her people and became the author of a book titled “Life Among the Piutes”. What Sarah made of her life makes her more than deserving of the honor Nevada has finally given her. She was someone who put everything she had into everything she did. She was brilliant and strong, and made the very most of her life, giving so much to so many people. I’m glad to see that she is getting the appreciation she deserves. |