In the spirit of the evening, United States Congressman Rick Allen spoke of giving and making a difference as he spoke Tuesday night at the 27th Annual Deen Day Smith Service to Mankind Awards banquet.

The invitation-only gala, held at Georgia Southern University’s Nessmith-Lane Conference Center, honors area residents who “have a special DNA in their bodies that makes them want to serve other people,” said Joe McGlamery, Statesboro Herald president. The annual awards celebration is hosted by the Statesboro Herald.

Allen praised Statesboro for its compassionate and giving people, and lauded the university for being “an asset to the community,” adding that he and his wife visited GSU and other area attractions earlier that day.

After a few comments about Congress and politics, Allen returned to the topic at hand. “I wish many of my colleagues, whose names I won’t mention, would learn the meaning of service.” Love for fellow man is what powers giving, he said.“ Love is not an emotion. It is an action. What love means is ‘I want to spend time with you.’ Isn’t that what it is all about?”

The impact of service is what “makes this country the nation it is today,” he told the crowd. “Don’t ever forget it.”

Allen said he grew up on a farm, and “learned a lot of values” from the experience. “I’m a workaholic – I love to work and probably overdo it.”  Working hard is a “great value” and people such as the ones honored through the Deen Day Service to Mankind Awards are the kind of folks who aren’t afraid of hard work, he said.

These people are also ones who “never ask anyone to do what you wouldn’t do,” he continued. The honorees possess “a sense of personal responsibility to a cause greater than ourselves.” They also “appreciate the work of others,” and think of others before themselves.

Joy and kindness are important in the lives of those who make a difference, he said. “Too often in our culture today, it’s ‘all about me.’  But thankfully tonight we’re here for a different reason – everyone here tonight is all about serving others.”

After his speech, Allen was presented with a gift – a crystal sculpture from the event organizers.

The awards gala has honored about 800 people since its beginning, recognizing “special people who make this a special place,” McGlamery said, adding that the reason behind the event is to “hopefully inspire others.”

Holli Deal Saxon may be reached at (912) 489-9414.