Beech Tree News Network

BELTON, KY— On Friday and over the weekend many Veterans Day celebrations took place across both the old and new District 15. I was humbled to be able to participate in events across the district.

I hope you were able to participate and thank veterans for all that they did or are doing to protect the freedoms we enjoy every day. Without veterans, our country would look very different and I pray that there will always be men and women willing to serve to defend our nation, its people, and our way of life.

Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day, which was November 11, 1918, marking the end of World War I. In 1954, with the passage of legislation by the U.S. Congress and being signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, a veteran himself, Armistice Day was officially changed to Veterans Day to celebrate all the brave men and women, past and present, who were willing to put on the uniform of their branch of the military and serve wherever sent.  

After a brief time as a three-day holiday weekend established in 1968, thus changing the date it was celebrated from year to year, Veterans Day was returned to November 11 in 1975, no matter what day of the week it fell on, with the signature of President Gerald R. Ford. This happened because of the sentiment of the majority of state legislatures, all major veterans’ service organizations, and most of all, by the American people. It continues to be celebrated on November 11 every year preserving the historical significance and focusing on the real reason for Veterans Day, honoring American veterans.  

Veterans are certainly special people. They had to put politics aside and defend all Americans and our way of life, regardless of their personal views. To be a veteran means to sacrifice even if it means sacrificing your life for the greater good. It would be beneficial if more of us today stopped and reflected on this and really appreciated the cost for those who have served.

We have more than 300,000 veterans in Kentucky. We are blessed to have so many that live among us serving as school teachers, law enforcement, as well as many other occupations that are such all around good role models for our children and grandchildren. 

Eighty-five countries around the globe have mandatory service in their military. We are fortunate in the United States that our military do not have to be forced to serve but serve because they choose to do so. This is why I have such a deep respect for veterans of all branches of service in which they served and have proudly supported every piece of legislation presented in the Kentucky legislature to support both veterans and their families. 

It is one of the reasons I have whole-heartedly supported the Aviation Program of Madisonville Community College, with both its fixed wing and helicopter pilot training programs particularly so that veterans leaving Fort Campbell might choose to become pilots and maybe even decide to settle here upon completion of the program. Veterans make some of the best citizens you could ever hope to have as your neighbors and friends.

MCC’s program, along with the cooperation and partnership of both the Madisonville Regional and the Muhlenberg County Airports are making this possible. The simulators are available at both airports and hopefully will not only inspire and attract veterans to the program, but children and youth from the region to become a part of the aviation industry. 

I was proud to be able to present citations of honor to the veterans that attended the celebration at Greenville Elementary School on Friday. On Saturday, I took some of my grandchildren to attend the Veterans Parade in Morgantown. It is always moving to see the respect and appreciation shown to our veterans, especially from our children.

Please do not hesitate to thank a veteran whenever you have the opportunity to do so. Since many wear hats that represent the branch of military in which they served, it is easier today to recognize them. Words of sincere appreciation and gratitude can go a long way.

I would like to apologize for being somewhat “off the grid” over the summer. Both of my parents were under Hospice care during that time. Mom passed on July 23 and Dad on September 26. I had every intention of being out and about more, particularly since I did not seek re-election. I am trying to finish strong by attending events in various locations throughout the district as my schedule allows. 

Other events attended most recently include committee meetings in Frankfort, Muhlenberg County fiscal court, getting a progress report on the Muhlenberg County Airport expansion for the MCC Aviation School, the Bremen potluck and recognition of those lost in the December 10, 2021 tornado, city council meetings in Earlington and White Plains, the Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission town hall in Bowling Green at WKU, and the Annual Pathway of Hope Banquet.  

Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office if I can be of assistance between now and December 31. I have continued to advocate for individual constituents as needed, and plan to continue humbly serving you until the last day of my term. 

As always, I welcome your comments and concerns on any issue and can be reached, regardless of if in session or not, through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at-1-800-372-7181, at 502-564-8100, Ext. 59010, or via email at [email protected]

Please follow me on Facebook @melindagibbonsprunty. You can also keep track of committee meetings and potential legislation by visiting our website at https://legislature.ky.gov and watch both live and recorded meetings on YouTube at KY LRC Committee Meetings or on Kentucky Educational Television at https://ket.org/legislature.

Note: Representative Melinda Gibbons Prunty represents the 15th House District. She is Vice-Chair of both the Health & Family Services Committee and the Budget Review Sub-Committee on Health & Family Services. She serves on the Appropriations & Revenue, Education, and Natural Resources & Energy Committees as well as Medicaid Oversight & Advisory and the Kentucky Colon Cancer Screening & Prevention