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Sen. John Schickel: Remembering true meaning of Memorial Day; celebrate with respect, gratitude


Across Boone County, we await the arrival of Memorial Day weekend. As family and friends gather, it is imperative to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice protecting our country. The brave soldiers who fought and died, defending the freedom we covet as Americans, deserve our respect and gratitude.

Collectively, I ask that we pay tribute and celebrate the true meaning of the upcoming holiday.

 

We have several special Memorial Day services in Boone County. Sadly, because of the Walton Cemetery Board of Trustees’ advancing age, there will not be a Memorial Day Service at the Walton Cemetery this year. It was always one of my favorites, but I completely understand their decision.

Hopefully next year we will be able to get some younger volunteers and renew the tradition.

Another favorite event that is still on this year is the Florence Memorial Day program, which begins at 10 a.m. with a parade starting at the Boone County High School. An award is given for the most patriotic float, and regulation forms are available at www.florence-ky.gov.

This is followed by a Memorial Day Program at the Veterans Memorial at City Hall, which starts at 11 a.m. I always enjoy the performance by the Florence Community Band and Chorus.
 
The “National Moment of Remembrance” encourages all citizens throughout the United States to pause for a moment of silence at 3 p.m., local time on Monday, May 28. As we honor fallen service men and women, it is also a time to acknowledge the families of these heroes who live on and preserve the memories of their loved ones.
 
In Kentucky, we have the “Gold Star License Plate” for family members looking to honor their beloved ones who gave their lives in service to our nation.  If you or another family member are interested in obtaining one of these special license plates, please do not hesitate to contact the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs. You can call them at 502-564-9203 or visit the website at www.veterans.ky.gov.
 
During the 2018 Session of the General Assembly, we crafted a two-year state budget that ensured the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs remained fully funded. As your state senator, I will continue to offer my support for programs and legislation serving military families, especially those who have lost loved ones in the line of duty.
 
It is an honor to serve you in Frankfort and I wish you and your family a blessed and safe Memorial Day weekend.
 
If you have any questions or comments about these issues or any other public policy issue, please call me toll-free at 1-800-372-7181 or send me a message at http://www.lrc.ky.gov/Messages/S011.aspx. You can also review the Legislature’s work online at www.lrc.ky.gov

Sen. John Schickel (R-Union) represents the 11th District in Boone County.


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