Stephen King, the writer, thinks the best stories are about the people rather than the event. That was true in telling this year’s story of the 2019 Hall of Fame banquet. It is inspiring when you add together the long and varied list of accomplishments this year’s inductees have contributed to the life and times of Rocky Mount. That inspiration filled the large banquet room and lifted us to a better place. You could feel the outpouring of love and respect for those who have not only gone before us but are with us: continuing to make a difference in the world. You could hear the laughter and good cheer around the tables, feel the pride of family and friends who had come to honor the stories of these ten men and women.
Everyone who attended this event brought their own amazing stories with them. Perhaps the point of the whole exercise in having a Hall of Fame is so we never forget there is this large perspective. I believe that in honoring each inductee we also honor the setting of their lives. We must not forget the important ‘others’ who have lived and are living beside each inductee. If we take them out of their context, we not only lose their essence but the history they represent. I hope my story, your story won’t be lost. Leave us here in this place, with our music, our fashions, our causes, practicing the faith of our fathers. Stories help us know where we have been, how far we’ve come and that we are not alone in our endeavors. By their work and deeds, let these good people continue to inspire us. It was said of Inductee, Vernon Sechcriest that he lived a satisfactory life. That is my prayer for all of us that we too may live a satisfactory life.
Click Here to Read Part 1 of the Banquet Story
Chairman, Naval Science Department
Gary Hodge’s Wonderful Photographs Featured In This Post
Main Street Rocky Mount 
Truly a wonderful and inspiring event. Smiles, hellos, hugs among everyone reminded me that our stories are often intertwined.
LikeLike
Intertwined, there is the word! Thank you Jewell for this keen reminder. Thanks for helping me make my point. SFH
LikeLike
I so wish that more common citizens could attend this event. Thank you for posting it.
LikeLike
Hi, Cheeyl-Thanks for leaving a comment. The invitation each year to the Induction Banquet is open to the public and publicized. It seems to fill up with the friends and family, and associates that are drawn to the event because of a personal tie to a deceased or living inductee. As I wrote, it is inspiring and anyone can come. There is a ticket price for all. Think about it for next year. I was just told that wHIG-TV aired it. Keep me company on the blog by ‘following.’ I’d love to have you. SFH
LikeLike