I Am Inducted - Dr. Ed Iannuccilli

I Am Inducted - Dr. Ed Iannuccilli

On Sunday, May 1st, I was inducted into The RI Heritage Hall of Fame. It was an unexpected, singular honor, a distinct surprise, that I shared with eight others: Bob Burke, Stanley Weiss, Mark Patinkin, John Harwood, Arnold Chase, Jr., Jimmy Burchfield, Roberta Mudge Humble, and Wilfred “Chief Eagle Heart” Greene. I was in the company of those who, with their accomplishments, humbled me, and because of it, I felt privileged, not at all hesitant to jump on for the ride, carrying welcomed, emotional weight.

Bordering on pomp and circumstance, the event was well-staged for an audience of approximately four hundred. It started with the Parade and Posting of Colors by The Pawtucket Rangers Fife and Drum Corps and the singing of the National Anthem by the talented Christine Case.

So why the fanfare, why the pride, why the honor? The answer is simple. It is about our fine State and those who try to make it better.

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Founded in 1965, The Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame exists to honor, recognize, extol, and publicize the achievements of a select number of Rhode Island men and women who have, in the words of the induction citation, “made significant contributions to their community, state, and/or nation.”

The Hall tells the dynamic story of Rhode Island History via interactive technology (and neat personal videos at the event) using the biographies of its inductees, noting their collective impact on improving our State. I was absorbed, near mesmerized, by the range of successes and the array of stories that evening. And by the testimonials of the honorees.

The Heritage Hall instills Rhode Island History in students and the public, while at the same time raising interest in Rhode Island’s collective image. It fosters pride in the state by recognizing and honoring achievers from all walks of life; all walks of life being the key.

Their new spiffy website (www.riheritagehalloffame.org) with profiles and images of the inductees, explains it all.

Bob Burke in his acceptance speech, encouraged the audience to consider those for nomination who will bring honor to the state. He encouraged people to step forward to recognize the contributions of those whose efforts, in any line of endeavor, have added significantly to our heritage. And he further emphasized that eligible members may, and should, include those who are native-born, minorities, and women. The nomination is open to all. I too urge you to participate, to recognize, to nominate.

If you wish to do so, please send your correspondence to any one of the directors whose names are found on the site. They would not want years to pass without recognizing the meaningful accomplishments of many. They would not want to miss the celebration of achievement.

The RI Heritage Hall of Fame has carved out its niche, and in doing so, has carved out a panoply of niches, identifying heroes tucked in the gallery walls of a museum of memory.

Thank you, RI Heritage Hall of Fame. You are fulfilling an important mission. And, as my mother might say, “You gave me a beautiful day.”