When entering the room Tuesday covering the Fishers Armed Forces Commission meeting, there was an air in the room that something was about to happen.  Secrecy was important because Commission Member Eddie Rivers was about to have a big surprise.

His family was hidden from him at the start of the session, then Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness joined Police Chief Ed Gebhart, Eddie’s family, along with many others, into the meeting room.

Governor Eric Holcomb issued the Sagamore of the Wabash award to Eddie Rivers.  This has been described as the highest regular honor to bestow upon a citizen of Indiana.  It harkens back to  Algonqian language American Indiana tribe, where the term “Sagamore” is used to describe a lower chief or a leader among the tribe to whom the true chief would look for advice and wisdom.

There were indications from those in the room that House Speaker Todd Huston may have had a hand in Governor Holcomb’s decision to award the Sagamore of the Wabash Award to Eddie Rivers.

Mr. Rivers is a West Point graduate and holds a degree in Jurisprudence from the Indiana University’s McKinney School of Law. He is currently a business owner and is  involved in Kids Voice of Indiana.

Once the award ceremony was complete, the Commission meeting continued, with one item worth mentioning.  A military Field of Honor is being planned in an area near the under-construction City Hall/Arts Center.  There will be announcements coming soon on how local people and organizations will be able to financially support this project,