The Cleveland County Republican Party held its annual Reagan Day Dinner on Saturday evening at Owl’s Eye Winery. Smoke on the Square catered the event to a full house. Senator Richard Burr and Congressman Patrick McHenry addressed the crowd.
The highlight of the evening was a surprise presentation to Ruth Wilson of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, bestowed by the Governor. The Long Leaf Pine is the highest civilian honor awarded by the state of North Carolina. The award was presented to Mrs. Wilson by Senator Debbie Clary and Representatives Tim Moore and Pearl Burris-Floyd.
The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is presented to individuals who have a proven record of extraordinary service. Contributions to community, extra effort in their careers, and many years of service to their organizations are some of the guidelines by which recipients are selected for this award. Mrs. Wilson’s contributions, particularly to the Cleveland County Board of Elections have been formally noted in recent months by the North Carolina Board of Elections, the Cleveland County Board of Elections and by the Cleveland County Commission.