Lexington Production Company Premieres Young Marines Documentary

They’re the Young Marines and with the help of a local production company their stories could be told from coast to coast.

The lights, cameras and red carpet rolled out at the Kentucky Theatre for a national premiere: "Generations of Honor: A Year with the Young Marines."

Pinnacle Productions of Lexington, along with executive producer Doug High of Good Morning Kentucky tell the story of the Young Marines, a national youth organization dedicated to living a drug-free lifestyle and honoring generations of American veterans.

"Not only does it pay tribute to those who’ve worn the cloth of our country, but the tribute is being paid by young Americans, by young adults, by young patriots," said Mike Kessler.

"Your strength and your moral compass at such a young age is very, very impressive," said High.

A handful of the group which is 11,000 strong made the trip to Lexington for the screening.

"We’ve got, Young Marines units here from Kentucky," pointed out High. Mike Kessler added, "I think Kentucky should be very proud."

Young Marines executive director and CEO Mike Kessler flew in from Washington, D.C. for the premier which took Pinnacle crews, literally around the world.

"You’re going to see your Young Marines in Iwo Jima, Pearl Harbor, with the Navajo code talkers from WWII," said High.

You can catch the documentary on KET before it airs on public broadcasting all across America.

There is a star of sorts in the documentary. Young Marine Dakota Richter was named Young Marine of the Year in 2013. She’s a Kentucky native. Her family was in attendance while she completes her freshman year at the Coast Guard Academy.

The film is expected to reach four million statewide TV stations as it airs from Nov. 10-23 on KET including a special showing at 7:30 p.m. on Veteran’s Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11.