Senator Ed Jones presented former Weldon Mayor Johnny Draper the state’s highest civilian honor — The Order of the Long Leaf Pine.

The presentation was done during Weldon’s town board meeting tonight.

“I’m happy to be in your presence,” Jones told the board. “I met Johnny when I was on the (highway) patrol here. Through his leadership I made something out of myself.”

Draper was humbled by the award. “To say it’s a surprise is not strong enough. It goes beyond anything I thought I would ever receive.”

Mayor Julia Meacham, who beat Draper in the November election, said Draper deserved to be honored for giving 40 years of life to the town and encouraged the audience to stand in his honor. To Jones, she said, “Thank you so much for coming and giving him this honor.”

Gene Gatling, during a public comment section of the meeting, praised the former mayor. “My wife and I, whenever we had an issue we were concerned about, he never made an excuse not to see me. We appreciate the time you took out for my wife and I.”

Gatling encouraged Meacham to do the same.

Following the meeting Draper again said he was honored by the award. “I’m more than surprised. It is an honor. I’m just thrilled to be the fortunate person to get the Long Leaf Pine.”