By Leah Justice

leah.justice@tryondailybulletin.com

Polk County has declared April 28, 2016 as Frank Smith Appreciation Day in the county.

County commissioners met Monday, April 18 and approved a proclamation in honor of Smith.

Commissioner Ted Owens said he has known Smith a long time and the county could not put in a resolution all the things Smith has done. Owens said Smith worked on the county swimming pool, built and fixed the ball field and there are a lot of things than can be said about Smith but there’s just not room.

Garland Goodwin also spoke about Smith and his time as a Columbus Lion. Goodwin said Smith is the only remaining charter member of the local Lions Club. Goodwin also spoke of Smith having the old cross that the Lions Club had to remove from the mountain and said that Smith must have a drawer full of perfect attendance pins. Smith was also awarded with a Melvin Jones award for the Lion’s Club, which is the club’s highest award.

During the county’s meeting Monday, the audience gave Smith a round of applause. A reception in honor of Smith is planned for Thursday, April 28 at the Columbus Presbyterian Church from 4-6 p.m.

Following is the proclamation commissioners approved honoring Smith:

Whereas, Mr. Frank Smith is a charter member of the Columbus Lions Club; he was chartered on Nov. 11, 1968, and has served as president and tail twister; and

Whereas, Mr. Smith has been active in 4-H for many years and helped prepare their BBQ dinner fundraisers; and

Whereas, Mr. Smith owned Smith Dairy, still raises beef cattle and is active in the North Carolina Cattleman’s Association; and

Whereas, Mr. Smith served as a rural mail carrier for many years; and

Whereas, Mr. Smith served in the U.S. Army during WWII, fought in the Battle of the Bulge and saw the bridge at Remagen, Germany fall into the Rhine River; and

Whereas, Mr. Smith served his country and his county steadfastly, honorable and well.

Now, therefore be it proclaimed that the Polk County Board of Commissioners declares April 28, 2016 as Frank Smith Appreciation Day in Polk County.