Wilmington native Wilbur Jones Jr. receives Order of the Long Leaf Pine award

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - One of Wilmington’s best-known public servants, retired Captain Wilbur Jones Jr., received one of the state’s highest honors Tuesday evening when Mayor Bill Saffo presented him with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine award at the Wilmington City Council’s meeting.

In presenting the award on behalf of Governor Roy Cooper, Mayor Saffo said that over Jones’ lifetime, he has “demonstrated an enduring dedication to the city of Wilmington and the state of North Carolina, making him worthy of the high honor of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.”

Jones, a Wilmington native, has written seven books on Wilmington’s World War II history. He worked for more than a decade for Wilmington to be named America’s First World War II Heritage City, an honor bestowed by former President Donald Trump in September 2020.

Jones thanked several people in a short speech after receiving the award, including his parents.

“They would be immensely proud tonight, and to their memory and love for me, I dedicate this award,” Jones said. “They rest in Oakdale Cemetery, but I feel them here.”

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