"Veterans Day 2012 finds us grateful that our service members are home from Iraq and hopeful those still in Afghanistan will return home safely by the end of 2014. As Governor, 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 331,000 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, Jane and I urge you to honor such service. Join us in thanking a veteran for his or her 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.
These service members truly deserve our gratitude so please, remember our men and women overseas -- including members of the Kentucky National Guard and Army Reserve Units -- and their families here at home."
