Veterans Day

Conkwright Middle School will host a Veterans Day celebration at 9 a.m. Nov. 11 at the school. The public is invited.

The Americans fighting the Global War on Terror were not drafted or conscripted into service, they volunteered to go into harm’s way, many multiple times. They voted for freedom by raising their right hands and swearing to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. They committed to defending you and me. Freedom began as an idea. On Veteran’s Day, we recognize more than two centuries of men and women who, through their service, transformed that idea into the reality that is history’s greatest triumph of liberty and dignity, the United States of America.

Heritage Hospice Inc. will host its fourth annual Veterans Day luncheon Friday at the National Guard Armory in Danville. All veterans and their guests in Boyle, Garrard, Lincoln and Mercer counties are invited to the free fish dinner. Many door prizes will be given to the veterans. Usually, about 1,200 people attend the event. Remember all 11s as the event begins at 11 a.m. on 11-11-11. The fish dinner continues until 2 p.m. Parking is at Danville Admiral Stadium, but handicap parking is provided.

U.S. Army veteran Philip Wright wasn’t born on Nov. 11. But since serving in Operation Desert Storm, the date has served almost like a birthday. And after the local Veterans Day observance at College Park Gym on Thursday, he said the events seem to improve every year. “I’ve been a part of this ever since it started, so it’s just a tradition,” Wright said. “(For veterans), this is their day.” Wright was among more than 100 who gathered at the gym to honor those who have served, commemorate the sacrifices of those who never returned and applaud men and women who are assuming roles in the armed forces today.

I'd like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to everyone who participated in the Veterans Day Event, November 12, 2012. The Heritage Hospice Inc.'s Veterans Committee, chaired by Sharon Martin, provider liaison with Heritage Hospice, Inc., did an outstanding job once again in coordinating the day. More than 1,300 veterans were in attendance. More than 200 were first-time attendees. Countless volunteers, donors, and guests braved the cold, rainy day to serve those who so selflessly served us. We appreciate all of them.

Events are planned throughout Clark County in the coming days to say thank you to local veterans for their military service and continued service to the community. “I think it's extremely important that we honor our veterans. I think it's extremely important to honor those that served and honor the freedom that we have on Election Day to vote,” Winchester Mayor Ed Burtner said. Programs begin at 8:45 a.m. Thursday at Providence Elementary, where breakfast will be served to veterans.

Hundreds turned out in warm weather under clear blue skies Thursday morning to honor veterans of the United States armed forces at Camp Nelson National Cemetery in Jessamine County. Brig. Gen. Howard P. Hunt III was the guest speaker. He said all veterans from all wars had one thing in common. “From one generation of veteran and soldier to the next, weapons may come and go; uniforms will change; organization and policies will be revised, but there’s one constant throughout all of our history of those who have put on a uniform, and that is the soul that remains beneath that uniform,” Hunt said.

Friday, Nov. 7 - 8 a.m., Providence Elementary, Veterans Day event. - 9:15 a.m., Clark Middle School, Veterans Day event, open to public. Saturday, Nov. 8 - 5 p.m., Harold Glenn Epperson marker dedication, Winchester Cemetery. - 6 p.m., Veterans Day observance, George Rogers Clark High School gymnasium. - 6:30 p.m., Marine Corps birthday celebration, First Church of God on Colby Road, for all active and non-active Marines. - 7 p.m. 202nd Army Band of Kentucky National Guard concert, GRC gymnasium.

I'd like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to everyone who participated in the Veterans Day Event, November 12, 2012. The Heritage Hospice Inc.'s Veterans Committee, chaired by Sharon Martin, provider liaison with Heritage Hospice, Inc., did an outstanding job once again in coordinating the day. More than 1,300 veterans were in attendance. More than 200 were first-time attendees. Countless volunteers, donors, and guests braved the cold, rainy day to serve those who so selflessly served us. We appreciate all of them.

Today is Sunday and Veterans Day. In church this morning, our pastor asked all veterans in the congregation to please stand. When Gene did not stand, I nudged him and whispered, “Stand up.” I realized as he struggled to get up that his hearing is so poor now that he didn't know what she had asked. But, once nudged, he stood, by far the oldest veteran there this morning. I just looked at him, this 87-year-old man I treasure, and realized that not only was he a World War ll vet but that he was a man who lives with the same kind of love and loyalty and courage that made him the outstanding soldier he was in the 1940s.

The average American serviceman is 20 years old, and a high school or college graduate. “He can use his body like a weapon, and his weapon is part of his body. ... They are warriors, economists and diplomats,” Lt. Col. Marc Cummins said. As the keynote speaker at the annual Veterans Day program, Cummins highlighted the important role soldiers have played in American history, and the lessons he has learned from his own military career. Cummins began serving after his freshman year at the University of Kentucky.

Today we honor America's veterans. On sovereign soil, we are exempt from war - yet millions have served with valor; and many have given their last full measure of devotion. Forty-four years ago, North Vietnam launched the second Tet offensive. That June, major events enveloped my life: My wife and I were married.  Two weeks later my destination was Fort Knox. Young Kentuckians were there for a military physical that transformed lives. Standing in briefs and barefoot, a chill - more from anticipation than cold - engulfed us. We awaited orders.

As I pushed a cart through the grocery store looking for items on my shopping list, I saw movement in another aisle that caught my attention. Another man pushing a cart was looking for items on his shopping list. But there was a difference. He appeared to walk with ease but on two artificial limbs. And I wondered. They are all around us. Every day, in one way or another, we come into contact with them, greet them, and engage them in conversation. For the most part, they are just like us - ordinary folk who live and work in our midst as our neighbors, our friends, and, maybe, even members of our family.

Danville Christmas parade set The downtown Danville Christmas parade will be 7 p.m. Nov. 24 on Main Street. The mayor's Christmas tree lighting will take place prior to the parade at 6 p.m. in Weisiger Park.  The theme for this year's parade will be “Classic Christmas Characters,” and parade floats should reflect that theme. Anyone who wants to receive a parade entry form can email the Heart of Danville at info@downtowndanville.com or call (859) 236-1909 to be placed on the mailing list.

Events are planned throughout Clark County in the coming days to say thank you to local veterans for their military service and continued service to the community. “I think it's extremely important that we honor our veterans. I think it's extremely important to honor those that served and honor the freedom that we have on Election Day to vote,” Winchester Mayor Ed Burtner said. Programs begin at 8:45 a.m. Thursday at Providence Elementary, where breakfast will be served to veterans.

RICHMOND - For anyone who has a personal military hero, perhaps a spouse, relative or close friend, they would like to honor, an essay contest may be the way to express their appreciation.  As part of its Veterans Week celebration in November, Eastern Kentucky University is holding a Talk of Heroes essay contest. The event is open to all ages, and authors of the top five entries will be invited to read their essays at a public ceremony at 1 p.m.  Nov. 12 - the day the nation observes Veterans Day - on the Richmond campus.