109-year-old Battleboro Senior, Guest of Congressman Don Davis, Meets President Biden at SOTU
WASHINGTON, D.C.— On Thursday, March 7, 2024, Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) and his special guest, Cassie Smith, a 109-year-old Battleboro senior, attended the State of the Union address in Washington, D.C., where she got to meet President Joe Biden. Ms. Smith was joined by her son, Frank Smith, and daughter-in-law, Faye Smith, who is also her caretaker.
“It was truly an honor to have Ms. Cassie, a living symbol of democracy, and her family join me at the State of the Union,” said Congressman Don Davis. “From working on farms in eastern North Carolina to becoming a maid and now my special guest at this year’s address, she inspires us all. She’s a precious jewel, and so many colleagues and the President quickly fell in love with her. I am so grateful for the opportunity to share this special moment with her and her family.”
Cassie Smith, 109, of Battleboro, NC, meeting the President in the United States Capitol on March 7
Ms. Smith, had two items on her bucket list - flying on a plane, and meeting the President, and she crossed off both items on Thursday. She and her family flew to our nation’s capital from the Raleigh-Durham International Airport on Wednesday on Delta Flight #5310. Once she arrived, she was greeted by airport staff and Delta flight attendants, who gave a special presentation over the intercom and gave gifts, including a “first flight certificate.” As for meeting President Biden, Ms. Smith smiled brightly and later said “It was really nice meeting the President.”
“It is hard to put in words what this moment has meant for me, and for our church, to have a member, who grew up as a sharecropper on a farm, come all this way. It’s really special,” said her Pastor, Thomas Green, who accompanied Ms. Smith to Washington D.C. with his wife, Sharon.
On Thursday morning, Congressman Davis recognized Smith during a U.S. House floor speech, praising her for her resilience and highlighting how much of an impact she has had on her local community.
Congressman Don Davis recognizes Cassie Smith, 109, of Battleboro, NC, during a speech on the House Floor.
Cassie Smith, 109, of Battleboro, NC, watching the State of the Union from the House Gallery in the United States Capitol on March 7.
Cassie Smith, 109, of Battleboro, NC, is honored by the Delta and Raleigh International Airport employees.
###
dondavis.house.gov