|
Published: August 04, 2006 12:08 pm
Governor, former Miss America pay tribute to veterans
By Bill Robinson
Register News Writer
Kentucky Gov. Ernie Fletcher and former Miss America Heather French Henry paid tribute Thursday evening to all military veterans at the opening ceremonies of the Kentucky Veterans Welcome Home Celebration.
“It was 28 years before my father, a Vietnam veteran, really came home,” Henry said. "That's how long it took for the demons he had brought back from Vietnam to leave him.”
Pointing toward the replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the north side of Battlefield Park, Henry said, “My father had a lot of friends whose names are on that wall.”
She told how four of her father’s buddies chose to accompany him on a probe of their base camp’s perimeter because “They thought it would be too dangerous for him.”
Henry’s father was wounded, but his four buddies were killed.
Fletcher recalled a visit he made with his father, a World War II veteran, to the WWII memorial in Washington, D.C.
The elder Fletcher was a tank driver. He told about the tank commanders who had to expose their upper bodies above the tanks' hatches to observe the battlefields. Many of them were killed.
“My father carried those scars with him all his life,” Fletcher said. “I know that many of you veterans here this evening carry similar scars,” he said. “But, I can tell you that you do not carry those scars in vain. America is a free and prosperous nation today because of your service.”
At 7 p.m., shortly after the program began, a B-52 bomber flew over the park.
The governor presented Kentucky colonel commissions to four recipients of the Medal of Honor and one of the Tuskegee Airmen of WWII, Frank D. Walker of Richmond, who were present at the ceremony.
The Medal of Honor recipients were Ernest E. “Ernie” West of Wurtland, Ronald E. Rosser of Crooksville, Ohio, Rodolfo P. Hernandez of Colton, Calif., and John F. Baker Jr. of Moline, Ill.
Kentucky honors will be presented later in the weekend to Medal of Honor recipients James E. Livingston of McRae, Ga., and Donald E. Ballard of Kansas City, Mo.
Richmond native Wayne O. Smith, who lives in Naples, Fla., also will be honored.
Bill Robinson can be reached at brobinson@richmondregister.com or at 623-1669, Ext. 267.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Social Services
Social Services
Bluegrass Domestic Violence Program Outreach advocate position: providing direct service ad...>MORE
Employment Opportunity
Employment Opportunity Brick Mason Helper 11 temp. openings. Cross Roads Masonry, Beattyville, KY. Employment ...>MORE
Now Taking Applications for all Positions.
Now Taking Applications for all Positions. Apply in person. Madison Gardens, 152 N. Madison Ave., downtown Richmond....>MORE
Appalachian Research & Defense Fund
Appalachian Research & Defense Fund of Kentucky, Inc. is accepting resumes for two full-time intake secretaries. The app...>MORE
Technical Resource Administrator
Technical Resource Administrator for Campus Life, Richmond, KY. Oversee & implmt technological functions of student hous...>MORE
Medical Coder needed For busy practice
Busy Medical Practice seeking Certified Medical Coder. Must have experience. Excellent salary and health benefits. Pleas...>MORE
See all ads |
|
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier.
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier. 111K mi. Good condition. $1800. 859-623-0685 ...>MORE
2003 Wildwood, 37ft asking $17,000
2003 Wildwood, 37ft S/C. Like new. Air, awning, super slide. Fully loaded. Must go. Paid $28,000 asking $17,000 Best of...>MORE
2003 Wildwood, 37ft S/C. Like new. Air,
2003 Wildwood, 37ft S/C. Like new. Air, awning, super slide. Fully loaded. Must go. Paid $28,000 asking $17,000 Best of...>MORE
See all ads |
|
3 BDRM, 3 BA
3 Bdrm, 3 ba, familyrm, livingrm, 2 car garage, Berea Utilities, $800 mo Plus Dep. 200-5481, 986-4975....>MORE
2 bdrm, 1.5 ba $600 mo
2 Bd, 1.5 ba. $600/mo. All utilities paid. No pets. Dep/Lease req’d. 624-5934, 661-5254....>MORE
2 bdrm, 1 ba in country
2 bdrm, 1 ba house in country. $500 month, $500 Deposit. Call 859-200-2776, 200-2777....>MORE
See all ads |
|
Everything from A-Z!!!
Need to sell your bedroom suite, washer and dryer, or even selling an animal? Call Mayme or Melissa at 859-624-6681 to p...>MORE
See all ads |
|
 |
|