Honoring Kentucky’s Veterans

A special ceremony is scheduled in honor of all Kentucky veterans on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, at the Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Frankfort. The one-hour ceremony begins at 11 a.m.

The event celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Designed by Helm Roberts, the sundial overlooks the state Capitol and honors the 125,000 Kentuckians who served courageously in Vietnam. The sundial features inscribed names along with the anniversary of death for the 1,103 Kentuckians who were lost in the war.

A music prelude by the 202nd Army National Guard Band will open the ceremony, followed by a flyover by the Kentucky National Guard.

This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs, and the ceremony will feature remarks by KDVA Commissioner Leslie E. Beavers, Brigadier General, U.S. Army (Retired), who has led KDVA since 1998.

The keynote speaker will feature remarks by Governor Steve Beshear. Master of Ceremonies is James N. Halvatgis, secretary of the Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation.

Other highlights include Raising of Colors (flags) by the Multi Service Color Guard, placing of memorial wreath by Kentucky Medal of Honor recipients SSGT Don J. Jenkins, U.S. Army (Retired), and CPL Ernest E. West, U.S. Army (Retired), a 19-Gun Salute by the Kentucky Army National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery, and another final flyover featuring the Missing Man formation with the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from the 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade.

The Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial is located at 300 Coffee Tree Road, just off KY 676, in front of the Kentucky Library and Archives building in Frankfort. From 676 (the East-West Connector) look for brown directional signs to the KVVM. For more information, go online to www.kyvietnammemorial.net or call (502) 564-9203.