LEXINGTON: Veterans’ work needed more today, community owes them greater debt

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – The city named after the first battle of the Revolutionary War in Lexington, Mass., honors the thousands of veterans who have served since then.

In a virtual ceremony Wednesday, Lexington and Kentucky leaders praised the work military veterans have done in peace and in war.

While the country has provided benefits, it’s not enough to fully repay their debt, especially with suicide and depression an increasing problem for veterans today.

And while their service has been invaluable, it remains needed more now than ever, speakers said.

“We need the leadership skills you developed in the military now more than ever, as our city and our nation struggle with this dangerous pandemic,” Lexington Mayor Li9nda Gorton said.

“To all of our veterans, know this, we are with you. You do not carry your burdens alone. As a nation, we stand ready to help you shoulder that load with the compassion and support of the American people,” added District 4 Urban Council member Susan Lamb, whose district includes the city’s Veterans Park.

“We will neither fail nor forsake our vets, you courageous Americans who put on uniforms have carried our liberty on your shoulders,” concluded Dean Stoops, assistant commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs.

The event also included a musical performance from Whit Whitaker of the Lyric Theater.

Veterans Day this year falls in line with the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, the 70th anniversary of the start of the Korean conflict.