Gov. Eric Holcomb (left) presents State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) (right) with the Sagamore of the Wabash for his service to the state on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, in the governor's office at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. During his nearly 20 years as state representative, Soliday has chaired the House Roads and Transportation Committee and since 2020 chaired the House Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications Committee. Dating back to the 1940s, the Sagamore of the Wabash award was created by former Gov. Ralph Gates. It is the highest honor the governor can bestow and is presented to distinguished Hoosiers who have made significant contributions to the state of Indiana.