The Levine event was the first ever gathering of recipients of The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the state's highest civilian honor. The pre-1983 records contain examples of the award being presented to businesses (fast food restaurants, grocery stores, pet stores, shopping malls, etc. An examination of records from the Sanford administration revealed the earliest references to The Order in June 18, 1963 letters from Governor Sanford to four Spanish dignitaries with whom Governor Sanfords representative, businessman R. Walker Martin, met during a good will mission to their country. All nominations should include supporting documentation such as previous athletic awards, news articles, or commendations, as well as a recommendation from a coach or athletic director. But despite its popularity and prestige, little could be found in the public records regarding the origin ofThe Order of the Long Leaf Pine or its recipients. A lock icon or https:// means youve safely connected to the official website. It has been a tradition in our state to present these to our friends; however, we can find no information concerning the background. However, a researcher at the Department of Cultural Resources was probably correct when he observed that Since the law establishing the long-leaf pine as the state tree was passed in [March] 1963it was believed that the significance of the order was in large part based on that fact.. A longleaf pine forest is well-suited for the woodland owner who wants to manage for multiple uses including aesthetics, wildlife, recreation, and forest products (timber, pine straw). It covers the period June, 1963 (when, according to the records, the first certificate appears to have been issued) to the present. The highest civilian honor the state can bestow. The toast was first read by the Rev. The Order began as a symbolic honor for visiting dignitaries, but later it became an honor for notable North Carolinians. Neath the murmuring pines of the Old North State! Where friends are true and cold hearts rare, In attempting to further isolate the time frame in which the awards program was created, it is perhaps noteworthy that two months prior to Governor Sanfords letters referring to The Order, the North Carolina Department of Conservation and Development conducted a Trade Fair in Charlotte featuring a gala State of North Carolina Recognition Ceremony. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is among the most prestigious awards presented by the Governor of North Carolina.The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is presented to individuals who have a proven record of extraordinary service to the state. The longleaf roots of the "Tar Heels" | by Wilhelm Khner | Khner The toast was first read by the Rev. Nominations are submitted to the Office of the Governor. Where the weak grow strong and the strong grow great, Upon being named to The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the honoree receives a certificate by which the Governor confers upon the recipient the rank of Ambassador Extraordinary privileged to enjoy fully all rights granted to members of this exalted order among which is the special privilege to propose the following North Carolina Toast in select company anywhere in the free world: Heres to the land (every two years). Based upon these records, they appear to have been the first recipients ofThe Order of the Long Leaf Pine award which Governor Sanford and his Press Secretary described at the time as being given to distinguished visitors to our State, a very select group of friends of North Carolina, and our highest honorary for special friends of North Carolina. The qualifications criteria for membership inThe Order of the Long Leaf Pine are within the sole discretion of the sitting Governor and were not set forth in any of the records examined. Recommendations cannot be submitted by parents or other family members. Where the weak grow strong and the strong grow great, They are joined by such other notables as Harry Belafonte, Rod Carew, Shirley Chisolm, Joan Crawford, Phil Donahue, Gerald R Ford, John Glenn, Tipper Gore, Mia Hamm, Engelbert Humperdink, Jesse Jackson, George Jessel, George Jones, Jean Claude Killey, Coretta Scott King, Bess Myerson, Hal Needham, Leslie Neilson, Itzak Perlman, Gary Player, Sidney Poitier, Colin Powell, William H. Rehnquist, Kenny Rogers, Curtis Strange, The Blue Angels, Lanny Wadkins, Ted Williams, Tennessee Williams, Oprah Winfrey, Tammy Wynette and Andrew Young. On May 21, 1957, the General Assembly adopted an official state toast. Moore's toast came from "The Old North State," a poem, written by Leonora Monteiro . Among the recipients, you will find the familiar names of the following North Carolinians: Maya Angelou, Shirley Caesar, Charlie Daniels, Dale Earnhardt, John Hope Franklin, William Bill Friday, Roman Gabriel, Billy Graham, Andy Griffith, Jim Catfish Hunter, Junior Johnson, Michael Jordan, Alexander Julian, Fred Kirby, Ronnie Milsap, Hugh Morton, Gaylord Perry, Richard Petty, Earl Scruggs, General Henry Hugh Shelton, Enos Slaughter, Arthur Smith, Dean Smith, James Bonecrusher Smith, Bob Timberlake, Randy Travis, and Arthel L. Doc Watson. The fact that no mention was made of The Order of the Long Leaf Pine during these ceremonies nor any reference found in records preceding them, at least suggests that this awards program was first implemented sometime immediately prior to June 18, 1963, although no more specific information could be found. Heres to Down Home, the Old North State! The Order of the Long Leaf Pinehas not, however, been the exclusive domain of the famous and influential. >Early explorers described the longleaf forest as a vast, open, park-like savanna of long-needled pine over a diverse understory of grasses and other plants. The Order is similar to honors bestowed in other states, such as the Kentucky Colonel and South Carolina's Order of the Palmetto. Order of the Long Leaf Pine - Wikipedia They, and later recipients for which information is available, included executives of national and foreign corporations, elected government officials and agency heads, military officers, trade association representatives, religious leaders, educators, athletes, television and motion picture stars, and other persons of status and celebrity. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, created in 1964, is an honor that can be granted in the U.S. state of North Carolina. The award recognizes outstanding contributions to the state and nation in the areas Literature, Science, the Fine Arts and Public Service. It was compiled by Phillip T. Fisher from a myriad of documents found in the Governors Records at the North Carolina Office of Archives & History and, beginning in 1983, from lists provided by Archives & History and the Office of the Governor. The list contains the recipients name (typically as it appears on the award certificate) and the month and year of the certificate or presentation date. [citation needed]. Long Leaf Pine gets license plate. Heres to down home, It was compiled by Phillip T. Fisher from a myriad of documents found in the Governor's Records at the North Carolina Office of Archives & History and . Although sometimes called the state's highest civilian honor in an order of precedence, that distinction legally belongs to the North Carolina Award. Here's to the land of the long leaf pine, Nominations are made to the Office of the Governor. A state employee can be awarded with the order if the employee has contributed more than 30 years of dedicated and enthusiastic service to the state of North Carolina. Award recipients are honored at a recognition ceremony and receive a medallion signifying their community service accomplishments. Secure websites use HTTPS certificates. The Old North State Award is presented by the governor to recognize dedication and service beyond expectation and excellence to the Great State of North Carolina.Nominations can be made for individuals who have20 or more years of servicein the State of North Carolina. Nominees are reviewed by the North Carolina Awards Committee with the final slate submitted to the Governor for their final approval. Longleaf Pine Ecosystems, North Carolina 2023 State and Private Forestry Fact Sheet. One can only imagine that with the elimination of the Ambassador of Good Will and short-lived Prodigal Son designations and the diminution of the Honorary Tar Heel status, and the popularity in other states of awards programs like the Honorary Order of Kentucky Colonels, and the recent adoption of the (longleaf) pine as the state tree, Director Parker with the blessing of Governor Sanford conceived The Order of the Long Leaf Pine award primarily to promote the state to its visitors and friends. Medallion Award recipients are nominated at the county level by a panel of community leaders from across the state. Reposing special confidence in the integrity, learning and zeal of [honoree], I [the Governor of North Carolina] do by these presents confer The Order of the Long Leaf Pine with the rank of Ambassador Extraordinary, privileged to enjoy fully all rights granted to members of this exalted order, among which is the special privilege to propose the following North Carolina toast in select company anywhere in the free world: This is the first verse of the official toast of North Carolina, from a poem by Leonora Monteiro Martin. Certificate of Appreciation recognizes the efforts of an individual, organization, or business for their outstanding public service in North Carolina. Not only could little be gleaned from state records concerning the origin of The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, so too was there a lack of organized records regarding its early recipients. Due to its value as a home for a diverse collection of plants and animals as well as its value as a source of high-quality, sustainable forest products, many organizations, including the North Carolina Forest Service (NCFS), have made increasing longleaf . OnMay 21, 1957,the General Assembly adopted an official state toast. Where the soft southern moss and jessamine mate, Individuals can be nominated by a teacher, coach, counselor, school administrator or community leader. A special license plate is now available to state troopers and other law enforcement, designating their honor. Hunt, Jr. (1993-2001), Governor Michael F. Easley (2001-2009), Governor Beverly E. Perdue (2009-2013), Governor Pat McCrory (2013 2017), and Governor Roy Cooper (2017-present). It is awarded to persons for exemplary service to the State of North Carolina and their communities that is above and beyond the call of duty and which has made a significant impact and strengthened North Carolina. North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, An official website of the State of North Carolina, Awards Presented by the State of North Carolina, Advisory Council on Film, Television, and Digital Streaming, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion. The records from the Sanford administration also refer to two other awards and designations under the aegis of the governor during this time the Honorary Tar Heel award which, according to Governor Sanford, was an organization formed in 1946 whose membership consisted mainly of practitioners male in the communications media; and the Ambassador of Good Will designation which probably originated during the administration of Governor Clyde R. Hoey (1937-1941), if not earlier. And he had some news for them. To nominate a non-state employee three letters of recommendation are required. Interestingly, two other awards programs were created at or about this same time. This website is undergoing design changes. It is the highest award for state service granted by the Office of the Governor. Roster of Recipients. Frequent fires caused by lightning strikes shaped the longleaf forest for thousands of years, resulting in a unique home for many plants and animals that require the habitat created by fire to survive and thrive. Here's to "Down Home," the Old North State![15]. law enforcement officers) presumably in recognition of their service or special accomplishment, and those state employees who, at the time of their retirement, had completed a certain minimum number of years of service to the State. In 2002, North Carolina had approximately 293,000 acres of longleaf pine forest remaining. A member of the Federation of North Carolina Historical Societies, The Society is responsible for compiling and preserving the history of The Order of the Long Leaf Pine award program. Beginning in May 1904, lines of the poem appeared in newspapers in accounts of tributes and toasts given at other occasions. The honor is most often presented when a person retires. Conversations about issues affecting our city, region and country. Where soars Mount Mitchells summit great, where the sun doth shine, In the Land of the Sky, in the Old North State! Where the rhododendrons rosette glows, A review of this supplemental information suggests, as previously surmised, thatThe Order of the Long Leaf Pine may have been originally designed and intended to promote and generate interest in North Carolina with persons visiting the state, often in connection with meetings, conferences, conventions, public appearances or similar functions. Hunt, Jr. (1977-1985), Governor James G. Martin (1985-1993), Governor James B. From that point, generations of North Carolina school children learned the song before the General Assembly officially recognized the combined creations of Martin and Kerr as the state toast in 1957. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is among the most prestigious awards presented by the Governor of North Carolina. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Society Nominations are submitted to the N.C. Arts Council, reviewed by a panel, and recommendations are passed on to the secretary of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources for confirmation. The summer land where the sun doth shine, North Carolina Forest Service Nominations are made to the Office of the Governor. Laurel Wreath Award is granted to those that have made outstanding contributions to sports or athletics. A member of the Federation of North Carolina Historical Societies, The Society is responsible for compiling and preserving the history of The Order of the Long Leaf Pine award program. And he had some news for them. Nominations are made to the Office of the Governor. Here's to the Land of the Longleaf Pine. News & Observer: And his little dog, too "What is the Order of the Long Leaf Pine? Roster of Recipients - The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Society State Government websites value user privacy. N.C. Rep. Bill Brawley joined a packed room full of recipients of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine at The Levine Museum of the New South on Sunday. Click on the scroll (at right) for the most recent and only comprehensive listing of recipients of The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, or what might otherwise be called the membership roster for The Order. To learn more, view our full privacy policy. Following the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in North Carolina's order of precedence is the Old North State Award. "Joe King et.al. Up to six awards may be presented each year. No mention of how Gov. Given the condition of the early records placed in the custody of Archives & History, the names of some persons awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine undoubtedly have been omitted. Submissions must include a biography and a statement of service from Human Resources on letterhead, if available. In the eighteenth century, naval stores (tar, pitch, and turpentine used in shipbuilding) made from the abundant pine resin of longleaf trees were the colonys most important industry. Easley, a Democrat, gave the "award" to all of his close friends and donors? To receive these updates automatically each day, make sure you subscribe by email using the box on the right, and follow us onFacebookandTwitter. The award celebrates contributions to communities and North Carolinas cultural heritage. The use of the terms visitors and friends together with the fact that only fourteen of seventy-six persons named by Governor Sanford toThe Order of the Long Leaf Pine were North Carolina residents implies that the award was, at least in the beginning, primarily intended to promote North Carolina to persons outside the state. Most often, cutover longleaf forests were replaced by farmland or other forest types due to a lack of knowledge of how to regenerate the longleaf forest. Contributions to their communities, extra effort in their careers, and many years of service to their organizations are some of the guidelines by . Asheville Citizen-Times, Jon Ostendorf, Jan 5, 2007. In 1961, the North Carolina Awards were established by the North Carolina General Assembly recognizing the notable attainments of North Carolinians in the fields of Literature, Science, the Fine Arts, and Public Service. And the Society of the Prodigal Son was initiated during the summer of 1963 to honor prominent North Carolinians who, according to the certificates given them, had left the state for professional and commercial and cultural pursuits. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is presented to individuals who have a proven record of extraordinary service to the state. However, it is clear that over time, the process for nominating and evaluating candidates became increasingly stringent, further solidifying its reputation as among the most prestigious awards presented by the Governor of North Carolina. This award may be granted for any number of reasons. Here's to the Land of the Longleaf Pine | NC DNCR Nominations are made to the Office of the Governor. As of 2021, it was believed the Order had been awarded to more than 21,000 people.[1]. A North Carolina native, lifelong resident and former state government executive, he has been honored by North Carolina governors with both The Order of the Long Leaf Pine and The Old North State awards. This award is administered at the Governors discretion. The near land, the dear land, whatever fate, Recipients omitted from the list may, by mail or e-mail, furnish The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Society a copy of their certificate clearly showing their name and award date, and their information will be added to the Roster. Among the honors and awards the Governor of North Carolina can bestow, none is more valued than The Order of the Long Leaf Pine. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Society, L3C is a non-governmental organization, administered for charitable and educational purposes in accordance with North Carolina law establishing low profit limited liability companies. Lapel Pin & Charm: Information on The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Society lapel pin and charm. Submissions must include a biography of the nominee and two letters of recommendation (with at least one from a school principal, teacher, counselor, or administrator). Nominations can be made for individuals with 30 years or more of serviceto the State of North Carolina. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is an honor granted by the State of North Carolina to individuals who have shown extraordinary service to the state. Additionally, longleaf was harvested for its dense, strong wood and was used to construct many of the Souths cities and towns. N.C. Rep. Bill Brawley joined a packed room full of recipients of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine at The Levine Museum of the New South on Sunday. ', Last edited on 1 September 2022, at 21:07. Instead, the identities of recipients during the 1963-1983 period were discovered in miscellaneous correspondence, memoranda, even on napkins and the backs of envelopes. The blest land, the best land, the Old North State! During the terms of earlier governors it was awarded without an explicit requirement of service duration . Consequently, despite the best efforts to compile the most complete and accurate listing of recipients possible, the award certificate itself remains the best, and sometimes only, reliable evidence of membership inThe Order of the Long Leaf Pine and should, therefore, be treated by the recipients with the care it properly deserves. News: A listing of Long Leaf Pine recipients deceased during the previous year and other news regarding The Order and The Society. In its early history, it also began to be conferred upon state employees (esp. For their cooperation and valuable assistance in furnishing these lists, Mr. Fisher gratefully acknowledges the efforts of Archivist William H. Brown, Governors Records Archivist Mark Valsame and the Search Room staff at the Office of Archives & History. and the strong grow great, The certificate for The Old North State Award reads as follows: For dedication and service beyond expectation and excellence to the Great State of North Carolina, on behalf of the citizens of this state, I bestow upon: 'Working together, we can make North Carolina the place of unlimited opportunity---- a place where anyone who studies hard, works hard and lives a life with high values can fulfill and even exceed their potential. Order of the Long Leaf Pine: A history of the award program, Roster of award recipients, and link to the Governors website where nominations may be submitted for The Order of the Long Leaf Pine award. -Excerpt from the North Carolina State Toast, by Leonora Martin and Mary Burke Kerr. Functionality of the site should not be affected, but things may look different.