"Wasilla, are you there?" she asked.

The crowd erupted in cheers. People flocked around the stage, where a cell phone was set up next to a microphone.

"There are just no words for my appreciation for all the hard work you did," Palin told her supporters. "Obviously it was not our time, it was not our moment."

Palin thanked the millions across the nation who supported the campaign, then delivered some encouraging words.

"We're going to be just fine. It is a shining moment tonight in history. We do congratulate Barack Obama. It's a great night in history. But I'll tell ya, Wasilla - and everybody there in Alaska - I am just proud to be able to represent Wasilla."

Palin said thanks to the presidential race, Wasilla has had valuable time in the national spotlight.

"People are looking at the Valley now more than ever. It represents what America is all about - hard-working families who take care of one another."

Palin left the crowd on a hopeful note.

"I am neither bitter nor vanquished, but very confident in the knowledge that there will be another day," she said. "We can do that even from the homefront up in Alaska. I can't wait to join you there in Alaska. God bless you, thank you very much, and I love you more than you'll ever know, Mat-Su Valley."