Remembering a Nebraska icon

This week, we will celebrate the 150th birthday of one of Nebraska’s foremost literary icons: Willa Cather. Cather, who died in 1947, was born on Dec. 7, 1873. One hundred and fifty years after that day, her legacy lives on through her poignant novels — including American classics “O Pioneers!” and “My Ántonia” — and her profound influence on our country.

Cather moved from Virginia to Nebraska with her family at nine years old. Even at that young age, she was observant and clever. Cather once said that the basic material a writer works with is acquired before the age of 15. That was certainly true of her. Cather’s work revolved around the Nebraska nature she experienced as a child and throughout the early years of her life.

“I wanted to walk straight on through the red grass and over the edge of the world, which could not be very far away,” Cather wrote in “My Ántonia.” “The light and air about me told me that the world ended here: only the ground and sun and sky were left, and if one went a little farther there would only be sun and sky, and one would float off into them, like the tawny hawks which sailed over our heads making slow shadows on the grass.”

Cather’s vivid writing captures the broad skies and open prairies of Nebraska. An intimate connection to the land is ingrained in each of us who spent our formative years on Nebraska soil. That connection is illustrated beautifully by Cather’s novels.

This unequaled work is why, earlier this year, we erected a statue of Willa Cather in the U.S. Capitol. Each state is allowed two Capitol statues honoring outstanding individuals important to our state and nation. In 2019, we unveiled a new statue of Chief Standing Bear, a great advocate for civil rights. This summer, we unveiled Cather’s statue. I’ve had the unique privilege of participating in both of these ceremonies.

The bronze likeness of Cather clutches a walking stick as she stares out daringly at the road ahead. In her left hand are pages representing the writing that defines her and her home state of Nebraska.

“The history of every country begins in the heart of a man or a woman,” reads the inscription beneath the statue, quoting from “O Pioneers!”

In my speech at the unveiling ceremony, I shared the special significance of Cather’s work to my own family. My sister-in-law, Nadine McHenry, painted a selection of paintings based on Willa Cather quotes years ago. Her art was chosen as part of the annual Willa Cather Conference organized by the Cather Foundation. Cather’s brilliance inspired Nadine and it has inspired many more as well.

As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Cather’s birth, we don’t simply celebrate one woman. We celebrate our Nebraska heritage and our Nebraska land. We celebrate the immortal significance of Cather’s work, and we celebrate the way her work continues to inspire others to excellence.

Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.