Kentucky Department of
Veterans Affairs

Saluting Veterans on Veterans Day

No holiday says “America” the way Veterans Day does. On this day we celebrate not just our freedom, our independence, our democracy, but the sacrifices made to achieve them.

We honor those who fought on our behalf, in our defense, for our freedom. We thank those who sacrificed their time, their health, their lives. We pray for those who now serve at home, overseas, and in harm’s way.

Freedom isn’t free, independence isn’t forever, and democracy isn’t for the faint of heart.

The blessings of America have been brought to us by our veterans. Our thanks, our gratitude, our honor and our blessings to all of them.

Reaching Out for Veterans Day

KDVA General Counsel Dennis Shepherd gave a presentation at Morning Pointe East in Lexington with veteran and former Fayette County Judge- Executive Jon Larsen (standing in back.) They presented certificates to the veterans present.

Spotlight: Veterans Day Observance in Kentucky

KRS 158.075 Veterans Day observance in public schools:

All public schools shall observe Veterans Day under this section.

(1) On Veterans Day, or one (1) of the five (5) school days preceding Veterans Day, one (1) class or instructional period shall be devoted to the observance of Veterans Day.

(2) Students shall assemble in one (1) or more groups, as decided by the school principal, to attend the Veterans Day program.

(3) The program shall be approved by the principal and, at a minimum, shall consist of a teacher and a veteran speaking on the meaning of Veterans Day.

(4) To develop a Veterans Day program, Kentucky public schools are encouraged to seek advice from the Kentucky Department of Veterans' Affairs and veterans' service organizations, including but not limited to the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Spotlight: American Flag Display

2.040 United States flag to be displayed on public buildings and schools -- To be supplied schools.

(1) The flag of the United States shall be displayed on the main administration buildings of every public institution, and, during school days, either from the flagstaff or, in inclement weather, within the school building of every schoolhouse.

(2) The flag, with staff or flagpole, shall be provided for every schoolhouse.

(3) All official flags of the United States purchased by a public institution shall be manufactured in the United States.

Spotlight: The WWI Armistice Anniversary Became Veterans Day

The Armistice between the warring nations of WWI was signed on November 11, 1918, at 11 a.m. For 23 years, Americans recognized the 11 hour of the 11th day of the 11th month as Armistice Day, the end of the War to End All Wars.

After World War II, Armistice Day was re-named Veterans Day to accomodate those who fought in the most recent war.

As KDVA Deputy Commissioner Heather French Henry wrote in an Armistice Day op-ed, it was the needs of World War I veterans that prompted Congress of the time to expand benefits for veterans, including insurance, disability compensation and vocational rehabilitation.

Spotlight: Education Resources

US Department of Veterans Affairs

http://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/

World War I

https://www.theworldwar.org/education

Two Ways to Stay Informed:

Sign up for text alerts. We send these no more than two or three times per week, always to call attention to imminent events of interest to veterans. Text Follow kyveterans to 40404.

Join the KDVA listserve. We send no more than two or three emails per day about events and issues importatnt to veterans. If you wish to be added to the listserve, please email lisa.aug@ky.gov.