Forest celebrated 2025 Citizens of the Year Harry and Diane Robinson last Thursday with a reception at Colbert Commons, and again Friday night as they served as Grand Marshals for the annual Christmas Parade.
Representing the Forest Area Chamber of Commerce, A.J. Clay, opened the Thursday festivities by presenting the Robinsons with the official plaque followed by words from the couple’s granddaughters and then other friends and co-workers.
Harry Robinson serves an alderman for the City of Forest. Forest Alderman Matt Alford spoke saying that Robinson has not only served on the board but “has been serving all his life.”
“Of course he is a decorated Vietnam Veteran,” Alford said. “Serving on the city council in Forest, I want you to know something about Harry. No matter where you are from, what your background is, what your political affiliation is, when you meet with Harry, he is fair, and he is objective. That is what you want in a city leader, that’s what you want in any kind of leader. Somebody to listen to you and weigh the options and make a decision. It is my honor to serve with Harry on the city council and Diane you are a sweet heart. You are a wonderful lady. You are always smiling. You represent our city so well right now as one of our citizens of the year.”
Harry Robinson thanked everyone for attending the reception. “We are blessed and honored to have been chosen as Citizens of the Year,” he said. “We didn’t see this coming. I was shocked. Diane was emotional. I thank our mayor and the Chamber of Commerce and everyone connected to all of this.”
Mayor Nancy Chambers wrapped up the tributes. “If it is okay, I’m going to wind it up,” the mayor said. “Harry and I have worked together since 2001. You all may not know this, but Harry has been recognized in the Hall of Fame in the State of Mississippi as a municipal leader in our state.
“If somebody were to ask me to describe Harry Robinson, I would say without a doubt, he is the most honest, most loyal, trustworthy person that you could ever ask for. If Ward 3 or any other ward in the City of Forest wanted to put a man in place in city elections that would represent each individual in there as honestly as he can possible do, it would be Harry Robinson...he is the kind of person that needs to be sitting on the Forest City Council.”
