The following letter was read at Monday night’s (Sept. 10) Whitby Town Council by Coun. Marcel Brunelle, chairman of the parks and recreation department:
“Dear Mr. Attersley, Town Council and Citizens of Whitby:
“I want to thank you for Anne Ottenbrite Day: It was fantastic: What a feeling to know that all you people were supporting me and cheering me on.
“I also want to thank you for all the beautiful gifts and the honors you bestowed upon me. I especially appreciate being given the ‘Freedom of the Town’ because I know that this is the highest honor that can be given to a citizen.
“I hope that during my future life I will prove myself worthy of it. Thank you all.
I love you.
Anne Ottenbrite
Brunelle said that all members of council were touched by the letter and added that it advanced the affection that they all placed in the 18-year-old Lyndeview Dr. resident who was the first Canadian woman ever to win a gold medal in Olympic swimming competition. Ottenbrite added a silver and a bronze medal to that gold she won in the 200-metre breaststroke.
“All I can say to the letter,” Brunelle added, “is; Anne, once again we love you.”
