Video: Retiring Editor-in-Chief David Perry Honored with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine

Last month we bid a festive farewell to longtime editor-in-chief David Perry, who retired after 35 years with the Press. Authors, friends, and colleagues gathered to send him off with their good wishes. We heard remarks from authors Bland Simpson and Tom Earnhardt, UNC Press editorial director Mark Simpson-Vos, UNC president Tom Ross, UNC Press director John Sherer, and Civil War America series editor Gary W. Gallagher via a letter read with additional remarks by former UNC Press director Kate Torrey. You can see David’s remarks on YouTube.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, awarding David the highest civilian honor granted by the governor of the state of North Carolina. It’s an honor well deserved for the man who has spent much of his life as “a professional North Carolinian.” We’re happy to share Tom Ross’s presentation of the honor below. The video begins with an introduction by Tom Earnhardt. (Thanks to William Ferris for providing video.)

Wonderful food and a special beverage custom-blended for the occasion came from two of David’s favorite locally owned businesses on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill, Mediterranean Deli and The Crunkleton.

We’ve got plenty of photos to share, too. Click on an image below to open the slideshow.