State of Connecticut
By Her Excellency, M. Jodi Rell, Governer: an
Official Statement
Whereas, WILI-AM Radio 1400 went on the air for the first time at noon on Saturday, October 5, 1957 and is now celebrating its 50th birthday; and
Whereas, in 1959, Herb Rice bought the station and the Rice family operated WILI until Hall Communications bought it in September of 2005; and
Whereas, WILI has always prided itself on strong local news and sports coverage and on serving the local community by sponsoring bloodmobiles and promoting local organizations such as the Salvation Army, United Way, Lions Clubs and Rotary Clubs; and
Whereas, “Connecticut Treasure” Wayne Norman has been on the air since 1970 and has the longerst-running morning show in Connecticut; and
Whereas, Mr. Norman took over the show “temporarily” in 1971 and the station is still looking to fill that shift regularly; and
Whereas, for 22 of the last 50 years, WILI has organized and run Willimantic’s “Boom Box Parade,” which is the largest parade of its kind in the world; and
Whereas, WILI has broadcast fourteen NCAA Championship games, which including seven UConn games and seven Eastern Connecticut State University games, seven high school title games and the 2004 World Series Championship when the Boston Red Sox won the series; now
Therefore, I, M. Jodi Rell, Governor of the State of Connecticut, do hereby officially proclaim October 5, 2007, as
WILI-AM RADIO 1400 DAY
in the State of Connecticut
Signed, M. Jodi Rell, Governor
