“During the 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemoration, it is important that we encourage Kentuckians to reach out to the Vietnam Veterans in our communities to recognize, honor and thank them,” said Heather French Henry, commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs (KDVA). “Vietnam Veterans’ Day is a reminder for everyone to do so every day.”
A total 1,109 Kentuckians died in Vietnam, including six from Crittenden County, and their names are inscribed at the Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Frankfort, where the shadow of a giant gnomon falls on each veteran’s name on the anniversary of death. Kentucky’s memorial was the first in the nation to use a sundial design, and it still draws visitors from across the country to marvel at its simplicity and meaning.
There are 118,000 Vietnam veterans still live in the Commonwealth, and many continue to serve their communities and fellow veterans through volunteerism, counseling and camaraderie.
Kentucky’s Vietnam veterans and their families gave much, asked for little and deserve our utmost respect and dedicated support, KDVA Commissioner Henry said.
“On Monday, please reach out to the Vietnam veterans in your community and let them know you respect their service and sacrifice,” she said. “Then keep that respect and appreciation in your heart and your actions throughout the year.”
The Crittenden Press would like to thank all of our veterans who served during the Vietnam War for their service to their fellow Americans.
