Honoring those who served: A Veteran's Day reflection

Each year, Americans pause to remember the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces on Veterans Day, a day that is more than a date on the calendar. Veterans Day is a sacred time to honor sacrifice, courage, and love of country. Originally observed as Armistice Day, this moment marked the end of World War I, a war fought to make the world safe for freedom. In 1954, as new generations answered the call to defend liberty, the day was renamed Veterans Day to honor all who served in every conflict since our founding. From the earliest battles of the American Revolution to the present day, Kentuckians have stood ready when our nation called. Soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Guardsmen from the Commonwealth have fought on every front and in every generation. Today, roughly 300,000 veterans call Kentucky home, nearly seven percent of our states population. Behind that number are real stories of service and sacrifice. Every Kentuckian knows a veteran - a neighbor, a friend, a parent, or a child - whose courage helped preserve the freedoms we enjoy every day. Our veterans represent the very best of us. They did not serve for praise or reward but for love, love of God, love of family, and love of country. They answered a call few are willing to take, often at great personal cost. That call, as the book of Isaiah says, was simply, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? And each one of them answered, Here am I. Send me. As a state, we must ensure that when their mission in uniform ends, our mission to serve them begins. Transitioning from military to civilian life is not easy. Only about nine percent of veterans retire from the military; most return to their communities to find new purpose in work, education, and service. Some face obstacles in translating military skills into civilian careers, while others confront economic hardship or invisible wounds that make adjustment difficult. It is our duty to make that transition easier, through education, job training, and support that meets veterans where they are. Programs such as the Kentucky Career Centers Veteran Services help connect veterans with employment opportunities and employers who value their discipline and experience. Kentuckys colleges and universities continue to expand veteran support programs, scholarships, and counseling to help those returning to school succeed. The GI Bill, tuition waivers for the children of disabled veterans, and veteran-focused initiatives across the Commonwealth all stand as a testament to our ongoing commitment. Beyond programs and policy, honoring veterans also means remembering. Across Kentucky, communities gather each year in parades, ceremonies, and solemn observances. The Kentucky Veterans Cemetery System offers a resting place of dignity and peace for those who served. Monuments such as the Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Frankfort remind us that freedom is never free and that the cost is often paid by those whose names are carved in stone. The Kentucky General Assembly remains steadfast in its commitment to veterans and their families. In recent sessions, lawmakers have advanced legislation to strengthen benefits, expand access to care, and ensure military training is recognized toward professional licensing. Efforts continue to ease the financial burden on military retirees and active-duty families through thoughtful tax policy and expanded state resources. These actions are not just about legislation; they are about keeping a promise. The promise that when a Kentuckian comes home from service, their Commonwealth stands ready to serve them in return. Veterans Day is a time for reflection, gratitude, and resolve. As we gather across Kentucky this year, may we take pride in our shared commitment to those who have defended our nation. Let us honor their sacrifices not only with words but with deeds, by strengthening the communities they call home, by caring for the families they love, and by living lives worthy of the freedom they secured. To every veteran and to every Gold Star family, thank you. Thank you for your service, your courage, and your unshakable faith in this great nation. May God bless our veterans, may God bless Kentucky, and may God bless the United States of America. As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via email at and keep track through the Kentucky legislatures website at legislature.ky.gov.