Honoring Kentucky’s Legacy of Service:
A Tribute to Our Veterans
By Senator Philip Wheeler
Veterans Day, originally recognized as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, marked the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress soon passed a resolution for annual observance in 1926, and by 1938, Veterans Day became a national holiday. Unlike Memorial Day, which honors those who gave their lives in service, Veterans Day is a time to honor all American veterans, especially the living men and women who have served our country honorably in both war and peace.
Today, more than 295,000 Kentucky veterans carry on this proud legacy. Each of them has faced challenges few can imagine, from long separations from loved ones to the physical and emotional wounds of combat. They serve so that we can enjoy the freedoms we too often take for granted. Kentucky’s dedication to service runs deep. Even before statehood, Kentucky’s early settlers, nearly all adult men, served in the Revolutionary War. The Battle of Blue Licks, fought on Kentucky soil on Aug. 19, 1782, marked the last battle of the American Revolution.
This spirit of bravery has carried Kentuckians from the fields of Europe to the beaches of the Pacific, from the jungles of Korea and Vietnam to the deserts of the Middle East. We honor this legacy with deep gratitude on Veterans Day.
These expressions of gratitude are genuine, and it’s vital to remember veterans are prepared to defend us every day of the year. The bravery displayed by veterans, from the Revolutionary War through the global war on terrorism, is too often unseen by those of us who enjoy the safety their sacrifices have provided.
This Veteran Day, I will be remembering fondly the veterans who have made a difference in my life, my late father-in-law Thomas Epling and my recently deceased friend and colleague State Senator Johnnie L. Turner. Both served in the United States Army as combat medics, Thomas in the Korean War and Johnnie in the Panama Canal Zone during Vietnam. Both were men of impeccable character and work ethic and taught me a great many things about life and love of country. Like Thomas and Johnnie, many of elder generation of serviceman are rapidly leaving us an it is up to those of us who are left behind to carry on the memory of their heroic service and deeds and impart them to inspire future generations. While we may never fully repay our debt to these heroes, our gratitude and respect is everlasting.
I encourage you to join local celebrations this Veterans Day and honor our veterans personally. We also recognize the families and spouses of our veterans who provide the strength and support that allow our service members to carry out their duties. They, too, make sacrifices for the cause of freedom.
To every Kentucky veteran, thank you for your service. May God bless you, and may God bless America.
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Senator Phillip Wheeler, R-Pikeville, represents Kentucky’s 31st Senate District, including Elliott, Johnson, Lawrence, Martin, and Pike Counties. Wheeler serves as co-chair of the Capitol Planning Advisory Board. He is a member of the Interim Joint Committees on Economic Development and Workforce Investment; Transportation; Natural Resources and Energy; Judiciary; and Tourism, Small Business, and Information Technology. Additionally, Wheeler also serves a member on the Local Government and State Government Interim Joint Committees.
