Bluegrass Military Affairs Coalition Online

Memorial Day Observances

The last Monday in May is set aside to remember those men and women who died in military service to their country. Below are programs being held throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky during Memorial Day weekend 2009.

FRIDAY 22 MAY

Western Kentucky Veterans Center, Hanson
Ceremony: May 22 at 1:00 p.m.

Patriotic Theme Dress. Annual Memorial Day Program with Hopkins County Central High School Junior ROTC Cadets.

SATURDAY 23 MAY

Eastern Kentucky Veterans Center, Hazard
For more information call
1-877-856-0004 or (606) 435-6196
Event: May 23 at 9:30 a.m.

4th Annual Veterans Memorial Ride
Saturday, May 23rd, 2009
Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. with ride leaving at 11:00 a.m.
Cost: $20.00 per Bike
(Includes: one shirt and one fish fry admission)
Second rider is free. Extra shirts and fish fry admissions available.
Fish Fry open to the public starting at 2:00 p.m.

SUNDAY 24 MAY

Danville National Cemetery
277 North First Street
Danville, KY 40442
For information please contact: Camp Nelson National Cemetery (859) 885-5727
Ceremony: May 24 at 2:00 p.m.

Lebanon National Cemetery
20 Highway 208
Lebanon, KY 40033
For information please contact: Zachary Taylor National Cemetery (502) 893-3852
Ceremony: May 24 at 2:00 p.m.

Western Kentucky Veterans Center, Hanson
Worship Service: May 24 at 2:00 p.m.
Reverend Danny Lutz Memorial Day worship service.

MONDAY 25 MAY

Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West
5817 Fort Campbell Boulevard
Hopkinsville, KY 42240
Phone: 270-889-6106
Fax: 270-889-0210
Email: kdva.kvcw@ky.gov
Ceremony: May 25 at 9:00 a.m.

KVCW's Memorial Day ceremonies begin on Monday, May 25th at 9:00 a.m. CDT at the Riverside Cemetery, then moves to KVCW at 11:00 a.m.

Ceremony Host VFW Post 1913 secured local radio personality Leo Wilson as guest speaker. He is a WWII veteran and charter member of VFW Post 1913, and helped several area radio stations on the air.

At KVCW, VFW Post 1913 and Fort Campbell American Legion Ausiliary unit 233 will present the wreath.

Fort Campbell American Legion Auxiliary unit 233 will provide the cemetery with a new KY State Flag, POW/MIA Flag & the five service flags. (These flags will be changed out before the service starts, but we will recognize their donation on the program)

Bowling Green
American Legion Post 23 on Dishman Lane
Ceremony: May 25 at 10:00 a.m.

The speakers will be Mr and Mrs Bret Hightower. Music will be provided by Col Spiller on the organ including patriotic hymns of interest. Refreshments will be served after the program.

Thomson-Hood Veterans Center, Wilmore
Ceremony: May 25 at 10:30 a.m.

The Memorial Day Service is held each year to remember our deceased veterans and their families.

The guest speaker is Chaplain Dean Cook, Colonel (USN Ret.)

Bellevue
Parade: May 25 at 10:30 a.m.

Bellevue-Dayton Memorial Day Parade - 80th Anniversary.

Begins 10:30 a.m. at the Veterans Monument in Dayton and ends at the Bellevue Veterans Club. Guest Speaker will be KDVA Commissioner Ken Lucas, former Fourth District Congressman.

Independence
Parade: May 25 at 10:30 a.m.

American Legion Moons Bros Post 275 will hold a Memorial Day parade.

It will begin at the Independence Fire Station on Delaware Dr. and proceed north on KY17 to the Kenton County Courthouse in downtown Independence. The parade will stop at the Independence and St. Cecelia cemeteries to pay respects to fallen veterans. No registration for entering the parade; we just ask that participants remember the reason why we are celebrating Memorial Day and keep that in mind for their participation and float.

Camp Nelson National Cemetery
6980 Danville Road
Nicholasville, KY 40356
(859) 885-5727
Ceremony: May 25 at 11:00 a.m.

The Nicholasville observance will be held at Camp Nelson National Cemetery, located on US HWY 27 south of Nicholasville. The service, which begins at 11 am on MON 25 MAY 2009, will feature remarks by COL Jerry Lovitt, Kentucky State Police Department (Retired), the presentation of colors, a cannon salute, playing of "Taps," and a 21-gun salute. Participating will be West Jessamine High School Band; Camp Nelson Honor Guard, A Company, 1st Regiment, Camp One; Kentucky National Guard 138th Fires Brigade; USMC, HQSVC BN-4th MLG; Sons of the Union Veterans Camp 5; American Legion, Post 18; and, Nicholasville Police Department. The public is invited to join the Central Kentucky Veterans' Committee in remembering and saluting those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Jerry Lovitt retired from the Kentucky State Police upon completing 26 years of service. Lovitt was assigned to Jessamine County for 11 years as a Trooper and Detective. He was also assigned as an undercover Narcotics Officer. Jerry retired as the Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police Department.

Colonel Lovitt holds an A.A., B.A., and an M.S. from Eastern kentucky University. he received his Master of Public Administration degree from Kentucky State University.

Colonel Lovitt served on active duty and reserves for 35 years. Lovitt served during two wars. Lovitt is the recipient of the Legion of Merit, our nation's fourth highest military honor.

Colonel Lovitt has received numerous honors including a Commendation from the President of the United States. He concluded his police career by making a speech at the White House and introducing the President.

Cave Hill National Cemetery
701 Baxter Avenue
Louisville, KY 40204
For information please contact: Zachary Taylor National Cemetery (502) 893-3852
Ceremony: May 25 at 11:00 a.m.

Lexington National Cemetery
833 West Main Street
Lexington, KY 40508
Contact: Lexington Cemetery (859) 255-5522
Ceremony: May 25 at 11:00 a.m.

Lexington's official observance ceremony will be held at The Lexington National Cemetery, located just inside the front gates of The Lexington Cemetery. The service, which begins at 11:00 a.m. on MON 25 MAY 2009, will feature remarks by Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs Deputy Commissioner Margaret Plattner, LCDR(Ret.) USN, the presentation of colors, playing of "Taps," and a 21-gun salute. Participating will be the men and women of American Legion Man O' War Post No. 8 and its Ladies Auxiliary. The public is invited to join The Lexington Cemetery in remembering and saluting those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

In March 2009, Margaret Plattner assumed the position of Deputy Commissione. She is an experienced and dedicated public servant, having held leadership positions in state government and the non-profit sector. Plattner served nine years as a lieutenant commander and intelligence analyst in the U.S. Navy Reserve. During the administration of former Gov. Paul Patton, she was deputy commissioner of the Department of Vehicle Regulation in the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Later she served as chief executive officer of a non-profit for women's reproductive health in Louisville.

In 1995, Plattner attended the UN World Conference/NGO Forum on Women in Beijing, China, and wrote Women and International Human Rights Law for the University of Kentucky Law Review Summer of 1996. She received her Doctorate of Law from Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University, a Masters Degree in International Affairs from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. and is a graduate of Denison University in Granville, OH.

Reared in Lexington and Northern Kentucky, Plattner is the proud parent of a 10-year-old daughter, Linton. They reside in Louisville.

Mill Springs National Cemetery
9044 West Highway 80
Nancy, KY 42544
For information please contact: Camp Nelson National Cemetery (859) 885-5727
Ceremony: May 25 at 11:00 a.m.

Zachary Taylor National Cemetery
4701 Brownsboro Road
Louisville, KY 40207
(502) 893-3852
Ceremony: May 25 at 2:00 p.m.

Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central
2501 North Dixie Boulevard
Radcliff, KY 40160
Phone: 270-351-5115
Fax: 270-351-5445
Email: kdva.kvcc@ky.gov
Ceremony: May 25 at 11:00 a.m.

Guest Speaker: Brigadier General (USA, Ret.) Leslie E. Beavers
Honor Guard: North Hardin High School Jr. ROTC
Placing of Wreath: Howard Hill, Cmdr FVW Post 10281

Kentucky Veterans Cemetery North
205 Eibeck Lane
Williamstown, KY 41097
Phone: 859-823-0720
Fax: 859-824-0324
Email: kdva.kvcn@ky.gov
Ceremony: May 25 at 1:00 p.m.

KVCN's First Memorial Day Event will take place at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Monday, May 25. It will honor all the veterans and dependents interred since the cemetery opened on August 22, 2008.

The Adjutant General of Kentucky, Major General Edward Tonini, will be the guest speaker.

Grant County High School Jr. ROTC will sing the national anthem and escort family members of recently interred veterans to place the wreath. Grant County veterans will provide the honor guard.

Refreshments will be provided.