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M
ore than 200 legislators,
judges and lawyers gath-
ered in April for Henry
Clay Day, an event honor-
ing the well-known Southern statesman.
Fittingly, the event was held on the grounds
of the Hawkins Hartness House across the
street from the Henry Clay Oak, the tree
under which Clay wrote his famous “Raleigh
Letter” detailing his opposition to the war
with Mexico over acquiring Texas. Clay was
widely respected as a patriot for his many
contributions to American history, including
keeping the states working together for unity
until the Civil War.
“I regard all wars as great calamities, to be
avoided, if possible, and honorable peace as
the wisest and truest policy of this country,”
wrote Clay, whose political career encom-
passed terms in both the House of Repre-
sentatives and the Senate, as well as service
as Speaker of the House and Secretary of
State.The letter was thought to tip the scales
against Clay in the 1844 election.
Participants at the event enjoyed RC Co-
las, Moon Pies and Henry Clay Cigars as
former Secretary of State Rufus Edmisten re-
ceived the Henry Clay Award from Lt. Gov-
ernor Dan Forest, who came up with the idea
for the annual event and worked tirelessly to
make it happen. Among those credited with
contributing to the evening’s success were
Altadis’ Javier Estades, who supplied Henry
Clay Cigars, and M&R Holdings’ Dean
Rouse, who contributed smoking accessories.
“
Our company was very honored to be part
of such an event that reminded us all of the
contributions our forefathers made to make
this country great,” said Rouse. “Bringing to-
gether North Carolina leaders in an environ-
ment that allows enjoyment of fine tobacco
products was indeed a pleasure that we look
forward to supporting for years to come.”
“It did our hearts good witnessing the
huge delegation of North Carolina legislators
lighting up and enjoying a fine cigar,” added
Ed O’Connor, publisher emeritus of
TBI
.
“To me personally, the event meant bring-
ing our North Carolina leaders together for an
event where we could remember Henry Clay’s
accomplishments,honor those that carry on his
leadership, such as [former] Secretary of State
Rufus Edmisten, and allow all of us to remem-
ber the founding declarations that make our
nation strong, including the right to agree and
disagree on personal freedoms guaranteed by
the Constitution,” added Rouse. “Our compa-
ny will always support events that deliver these
messages to our leaders, and we were honored
to do our part along with others.”
Celebrating
Cigars and History
Politicians and cigar lovers alike turned out for North Carolina’s Third Annual Henry Clay Day.
EVENT HIGHLIGHT
12
TOBACCO BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL
JULY/AUGUST 2016