Hanna Jones
The Knoxville, Tenn., First Church hosted two special guests on Veterans Day to recognize 101-year-old member Milton Jones for his service to this country during World War II. Tim Burchett, United States congressman, and Glenn Jacobs, Knox County mayor, joined Jones’ family and his church family to commend the veteran for his wartime service in the U.S. Navy, and for his work on the Manhattan Project in the race to develop an atomic weapon.
Burchett recently honored Jones on the House floor by entering remarks about his service into the Congressional Record. Burchett read those remarks to the congregation and presented Jones with an official copy. The representative said of Jones, “He has served his country and his family well, and the east Tennessee community is thankful for the impact you’ve had, and we’ve been very fortunate to know you.” Burchett also brought Jones a flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol building in his honor along with a certificate and a humorous warning, “If I see this thing on eBay, Milton, I’m going to call you back.”
Jacobs read a brief biography of Jones and offered sincere gratitude for his many contributions to Knox County and east Tennessee. The mayor said,
“Mr. Jones, on behalf of Knox County, we want to thank you for your service, not only during World War II, but also your continued service to our community.” The nearly 7-foot wrestler-turned-mayor may have dwarfed the centenarian in height, but not in ability. The mayor asked the honoree, “The other day you had your log splitter taken apart and were putting a new engine on it?” Jones nodded. Jacobs responded with a laugh, “I can’t do that now!”
Matt Durante, pastor, shared a fitting verse in honor of the veterans present, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friend,” John 15:13. He closed that portion of the service with a prayer of dedication for those who have served and for the elected officials.
All three local television news stations were on hand to capture the event, and featured Jones in their broadcasts. Jones said of the day, “It was unbelievable. I could never have thought I would be standing on a stage with our congressman and our big mayor.”
Jones will celebrate his 102nd birthday on March 20, 2024.
Georgia-Cumberland | March 2024
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