2010 Veterans Day Events in Kentucky

Veterans Week begins Thursday, November 4 and culminates on Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11.

The official commemoration of Veterans Day takes place at 11 a.m. local time on November 11.

Find information about Veterans Day, including background, history and materials here.

Governor Beshear's Statement on Veterans Day

“Veterans Day 2010 has a sense of urgency about it.

Last month, we mourned the loss of the 100th Kentuckian killed on military duty in Iraq and Afghanistan since those wars began nine years ago.

Furthermore, some 78 soldiers from units stationed at Fort Campbell have been killed since they were deployed in March. These deaths fill me with immense grief … but also pride and hope.

As Governor of this state, a military veteran and a citizen of this great nation, I am awed by the courage, dedication and sacrifice of these soldiers – just as every Kentuckian should be.

With unflinching resolve, these soldiers are continuing a tradition of loyalty and bravery that has become a badge of honor for Kentuckians throughout our nation’s history.

Kentucky is home to more than 339,000 living veterans and each of them deserves our gratitude and our respect. They are our neighbors, co-workers, friends and family.

This Veterans Day, and every day, we in Kentucky should honor such service.

On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, thank a veteran for their service. And participate in community celebrations.  You can find Veterans Day events throughout the Commonwealth listed at www.veterans.ky.gov.  In addition, learn about the Thank a Veteran at Work initiative at www.veterans.com.

If you want to make a monetary contribution, you can contribute to the Kentucky Veterans Program Trust Fund at your local county clerk’s office or at www.veterans.ky.gov.

And finally, visit http://www.redcross.org/holidaymail to learn how you can send Christmas cards to soldiers overseas.

Every day, but especially tomorrow, these men and women deserve our gratitude.

And please, remember our men and women overseas – including members of the Kentucky National Guard and Army Reserve units – and their families here at home.”

Read Governor Beshear's Veterans Week 2010 Proclamation here.

Read President Obama's Veterans Week 2010 Proclamation here.

Veterans Week events will be held all over Kentucky this year.  Here is a partial list of events:

KDVA will observe Veterans Day at all four of its State Veterans Cemeteries and all three of its Veterans Centers.

Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West

Ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. (please note corrected time) Thursday, Nov. 11. Service sponsored by the Fort Campbell Americion Legion Post 233 family.

Posting of the colors by the Pennyrile Honor Guard, greeings from Fort Campbell American Legion Commander Post 233 Marvin Toomer, Invocation by Chaplain Patricia Basner from Auxiliary Unit 233, Benedication by Dept. of Kentucky ALA 2nd Vice President Jane McNight.

Guest Speaker will be Oak Grove Mayor Dan Potter

Lunch reception will be at noon at the American Legion Post 233 in Oak Grove, KY.

5817 Fort Campbell Boulevard
Hopkinsville, KY  42240
Phone:  270-889-6106
Fax:  270-889-0210
Email: kdva.kvcw@ky.gov  

Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central

Ceremony will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, Nov. 11.  Guest speaker is LTC (Ret) David Gray.  He graduated from the USMA at West Point in 1959 and served as an artillery officer before transferring to a the Judge Advocate General department.  Spc Kevin Sterchi of Ft. Knox will sing our National Anthem.  VFW Post 1170 will provide the honor guard. 

North Hardin High School will present their POW/MIA Ceremony.

2501 North Dixie Boulevard
Radcliff, KY  40160
Phone:  270-351-5115
Fax:  270-351-5445
Email: kdva.kvcc@ky.gov  

Kentucky Veterans Cemetery North

Ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 11. Guest Speaker will be Brigadier General (Ret.) Les Beavers, former Commissioner of KDVA. The Grant County Veterans Honor Guard will post and retire the colors.  Kaitlynne Postal, Miss Kentucky 2007, will sign the National Anthem, and the Grant County HS JROTC will lay the wreaths. Blue Star Mother of Northern Kentucky will present a Tribute to Kentucky’s Veterans and provide refreshments.

205 Eibeck Lane
Williamstown, KY 41097
Phone: 859-823-0720
Fax:  859-824-0324
Email:  kdva.kvcn@ky.gov

Kentucky Veterans Cemetery North East

KVCNE's First Veterans Day Ceremony will take place on Thursday, Nov. 11 from noon to 2 p.m. with AMVETS Post 95. Guest speaker will be Rep. Tanya Pullin, and veterans speaker will be Dr V. Patrick Bell, a Retired Air Force Sgt Major and a former Merchant Marine.

KYNG 201st Engineer Battalion will post the Colors, and Boyd Co. H.S. ROTC will be placing memorial wreaths at the base of the service and POW flags.

AMVETS Post 95 will be serving refreshments.

100 Veterans Memorial Drive
Greenup County, Kentucky 41143
Phone:  606-929-5354
Fax:      606-929-5347
Email:  KDVA.KVCNE@ky.gov

Thomson-Hood Veterans Center, Wilmore

The Thomson-Hood Veterans Center will be honoring their Veterans for the entire week of November 7-13.
 
On Sunday November 7th @ 3:30, the residents of the Thomson-Hood Veterans Center have been invited by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the VA Medical Center to participate in the 2010 Veterans Parade in Lexington Kentucky.

On Thursday November 11th @ 11:11, A Veterans Ceremony will be held at the Thomson-Hood Veterans Center in the Hunt-Multi Purpose Room.   At that time we will honor each Veteran with a Certificate of Appreciation for promoting Peace and Stability for our Nation.

The final event of the week will be held on Saturday November 13th.  The City of Wilmore and Mayor Harold L. Rainwater has invited the residents of the Thomson-Hood Veterans Center to participate in the 2010 Veterans Day Parade beginning @ 10am.  Our Veterans will be riding in style in the parade thanks to the Bluegrass Corvette Club.  The parade will conclude at the front entrance of the Thomson-Hood Veterans Center for the Veterans Day Ceremony.  The Veterans Day Ceremony will be held at 11:11 to honor our Heroes from all across Kentucky who have defended our Country and for the Veterans who continue to do so today.  The Guest Speaker of the Ceremony will feature a former employee of the Thomson-Hood Veterans Center Captain R. Steve Mattingly from the 138 Fires Brigade.
 
Everyone is welcome at all of these events.

Eastern Kentucky Veterans Center, Hazard

November 11: Veterans Day Ceremony for Veterans and family members at EKVC, 11 a.m.

Western Kentucky Veterans Center, Hanson

Sunday November 7th at 2:00 p.m. Central, WKVC residents will participate in the 46th annual Veterans Day Parade in Madisonville, KY.

On Tuesday November 9th the locally famous Joy Boys will entertain our Veterans and their families.
 
On Veterans Day, Thursday November 11th at 1:00 p.m., R.O.T.C. cadets from Hopkins County Central High School have been invited to participate with W.KVC residents in a Round Table discussion on topics such as service to our country, what it means to our Veterans and what it means to the cadets.  The cadets will also visit and honor W.K.V.C. residents. 

Bowling Green

The Bowling Green - Warren County Veterans Parade will begin at 10 a.m. Central time on Saturday, November 6 in downtown Bowling Green.  It will proceed halfway around the square so there is plenty of room for interested folks to view the event.  This event normally lasts about 1 and 1 1/2 hours.

Louisville

Dedication of the Medal of Honor Memorial Garden and Veteran's Plaza at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 11 on the main campus of Sullivan University, 3101 Bardstown Road.  Presented by Sullivan University Student Veterans of America and the 2011 Medal of Honor Convention Committee.

Clinton County

Veterans Day Program, 7 p.m. CST, Thursday, November 11, 2010 at Peolia United Methodist Church in Albany.

This tribute to veterans provides entertainment as done by the USO since it originated in 1941. Among Bob Hope's many guests over 60 years of USO shows for the troops was Grandpa Jones of Hee-Haw Fame, who entertained the troops in Korea in 1951. THis year, the Clinton County program features Kentucky Chatacqua Performer David Hurt as Grandpa Jones. It is sponsored by the Clinton County Veterans History Project and Kentucky Humanities Council, Inc.

Peolia Methodist Church, 23 Peolia Church Road about one mile south of Albany.

Lexington

The 7th Annual VA Veterans' Parade will be held on Sunday, November 7, 2010 at 3:30 p.m. in Downtown Lexington to honor those who have served and those currently serving in our Armed Forces.

If you would like to participate in the parade please call or email Genia Dorsey (859)233-4511 ext. 3431 or Eugenia.Dorsey@va.gov

Hazard

October 23, 2010: Avawam Pentecostal Church is hosting a dinner free to all Veterans and their spouses at the National Guard Armory in Hazard Ky starting at 6:00 p.m.

November 6th 2010: Hazard VFW is hosting a lunch and ceremony at the Hazard VFW at 12:00 p.m.

Louisville

November 11, 2010: Whitefield Academy's Thirteenth Annual Veterans Day Service begins at 9 a.m. in the Highview Baptist Church Sanctuary, 7711 Fegenbush Lane. The emphasis will be on the Medal of Honor with special recognition of the Korean War. Breakfast will be provided at 8 a.m. in the gymnasium for Veterans and current members of the military, plus a guest. For breakfast reservations, call Lori Fryling at 502-231-6263.

Lexington

VETERANS APPRECIATION DAY DINNER "Vets Eat FREE"
11 NOV 2010, 5:30-6:45 pm
Tates Creek Christian Church
3150 Tates Creek Road
Lexington KY 40502

The Bluegrass Military Affairs Coalition (BMAC) invites all Veterans of the United States Armed Forces to enjoy a delicious FREE meal at Tates Creek Christian Church on 11 NOV 2010, Veterans Day, from 5:30-6:45 pm.

For the dinner, pick up Vet Eat FREE meal vouchers and purchase meal tickets at BMAC HDQT, 128 E. Reynolds Rd. Suite 201, Lexington, 9 am - 5 pm Mon-Fri, after MON 18 OCT 2010, no later than MON 08 NOV 2010. Citizens, friends and family members are encouraged to eat dinner with our veterans, $5 per person for their meal, $3 Youth, FREE for ages 4 and under. Meal tickets will not be available at the door the evening of the event.

With gratitude for their service and sacrifice, military members and veterans will eat free upon proof of military service.
• U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card
• U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card
• DD214
• Leave Earnings Statement (LES)
• Citation or Commendation
• Photograph in Uniform
• Veterans Service Organization Member Identification Card

COMMUNITY VETERANS DAY OBSERVANCE
11 NOV 2010, 7:00 pm
Tates Creek Christian Church
1350 Tates Creek Rd. Lexington KY 40502

At 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary at Tates Creek Christian Church, the public is invited to recognize and honor veterans at the annual Community Veterans Day Observance.

The featured presentation will be made by LCDR John RUDD, USN. The USMCR MP CoA will present The Colors. A patriotic concert will be performed by members of the Tates Creek Christian Church Choir, Immanuel Baptist Church Choir and Centenary United Methodist Church Choir.

Veterans are encouraged to wear medals/ribbons to this event, by request of the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Currently serving military members are requested to come in uniform of the day.  

The Community Veterans Day Observance is presented by the Bluegrass Military Affairs Coalition (BMAC).  BMAC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit tax exempt, non-sectarian, non-partisan civilian organization of patriotic individuals, businesses, government entities, all branches of the United States military and veterans.  Its purpose is to promote the awareness of and educate the public about the armed forces of the United States of America and their contributions to our safety, the preservation of our freedoms and their state of readiness.  

For more information, call BMAC at 859-971-8738.

Frankfort

Veterans Day Ceremony, 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11 at the Old State Capitol on Broadway.

Hosted by VFW Post 4075, which will provide a free lunch after the ceremony at the post, 104 E. Second St. Everyone is invited. 

Louisville

Saturday, Nov. 13, noon to 9 p.m.

Fifth Annual Honor Our Veterans Pow-Wow, hosted by the Kentucky American Indian Resource and Community Center. Americana Community Center, 4801 Southside Drive in Louisville

Open to ALL veterans and civilians
All Drums and Dancers Welcome
Admission is free.  Donations appreciated.
No Drugs - No Alcohol - No Politics, please.
Dancer Luck-of-the-draw cash and prizes throughout the day. 

For more information, call Cindy Isbell @ 502-935-7920 or Amanda Winstead @ 502-955-7082

Winchester

Thursday, November 11, 9 a.m.

Veteran’s Day Celebration and Breakfast, Conkwright Middle School, 360 Mt Sterling Road in Winchester.

This is a student-led event, and the students would like to have the names and addresses of veterans interested in attending so they can send individual invitations.

Please call 859-744-8433 or email  mike.anderson@clark.kyschools.us. RSVPs will help the students plan the food and seating.

Glasgow

Annual Veterans Dinner, Nov 10, 2010, 6:00 p.m. Central, National Guard Armory, Cavalry Drive in Glasgow.

Veterans Day Parade, Nov 11, 2010, 2:00 p.m. Central in the public square, Glasgow.

Frankfort

The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) in downtown Frankfort will be free to veterans, active duty military personnel and reservists on Veterans Day, Thursday, Nov. 11. In addition, the first 100 military personnel on site at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History will enjoy free coffee and doughnuts, beginning at 10 a.m.

Thursday, Nov. 11, is also the beginning of Candlelight Tour, an annual Frankfort event that highlights the start of the holiday season. The KHS history campus will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and has many free activities, including:

 ·        “Kentucky Military Treasures,” an exhibition highlighting Kentucky’s military service from the War of 1812 to the present

A large Lionel train display
Tours of the Old State Capitol
Free train rides for children
Children’s activities, including making postcards to Santa
The Lexington Singers, performing Thursday night
Live KHS Museum Theatre productions, and more.

For a full schedule of activities, see www.history.ky.gov/candlelight.