By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–It was Jack Evans Day Friday as the 97-year-old was honored for his service in the military and to the country. Evans is a WWII and Korean War veteran and he and his wife, Boots, now live at Charter Senior Living.
Congressman David Kustoff presented him with an American flag that flew over the Capitol July 27. “If you and the other World War II veterans had not done what you did, we would not be living like we do today. We owe you a great deal of gratitude. You’re a true American and we honor you,” Kustoff said.
He also was awarded the highest honors that can be bestowed on a citizen in Henry County, as County Mayor John Penn Ridgeway presented him with the Loyal Patriot Award and Paris Mayor Kathy Ray presented him with the Marquis de Paris. “You are very much deserving of the Loyal Patriot Award,” Ridgeway said, noting that Evans was the epitome of a loyal patriot.
Evans admitted to being ‘tongue-tied’ and said, “We tried to do our best. We had a lot of help over there–we even had the Russians!”
A large number of friends and family were on hand for the ceremony and the HCHS Madrigals sang the national anthem and My Country ‘Tis of Thee.
The program was facilitated by Monte Belew of Paris, an aide to Kustoff, and staff at Charter.
Photo: Congressman Kustoff presents an American flag that flew over the Capitol to Jack Evans. (Shannon McFarlin photo).