City recognizes veterans with new street banner program

Mayor Linda Gorton announced today Vine Street will be lined with new street banners dedicated to recognizing Fayette County veterans in November.

The new Veterans Street Banners program honors Fayette County men and women who have served in the military. The program kicks off in 2024 with banners focused on the 24 Fayette County inductees in the Kentucky Veterans Hall of Fame.

"Veterans are near and dear to my heart, and I am excited we are able to provide another opportunity to honor their service," Mayor Linda Gorton said. "It has been a goal of mine to provide more opportunities and support for our veterans than we have done in the past, and this program is another step forward."

Gorton is the first mayor to have a dedicated Veterans Affairs Liaison in the Mayor's Office. Her liaison works closely with the Commission on Veterans' Affairs, and other veterans groups. The Mayor has also worked hard to end veterans homelessness, and established Lexington as the home base for the Kentucky Veterans Hall of Fame.

Lexington's Commission on Veterans' Affairs partnered with the Mayor's Office and the Lexington History Museum to collect and coordinate information to be presented on the banners. In addition to the 24 banners displayed along Vine Street, there is an accompanying digital exhibit curated by the Lexington History Museum. Individuals can learn more about each veteran represented in the banner program by visiting www.lexhistory.org/veterans. Design work for the banners and digital exhibit program was provided by Stablemate Creative.

"The Lexington History Museum is thrilled to partner with the Lexington Commission on Veterans' Affairs, the Mayor's Office, Councilmember Liz Sheehan, and Stablemate Creative to honor Lexington's veterans," said Lexington History Museum Executive Director Dr. Amanda Higgins. "The veterans street banners are an entry point for learning more about the featured veterans, their service, and their community work after their time in the military. We are proud to help tell those stories."

Lexington's Commission on Veterans' Affairs is focused on providing support and recognition to Fayette County's veteran community. Commission members represent each military branches, veterans service organizations, and those interested in helping support our veterans.

"It is the greatest wish for members of the Commission on Veterans' Affairs to honor these local heroes who have given so much for our nation and to our community," said Commission Chairman Robert Larkin. "Our hope is that the street banner project will expand and grow to include our businesses, schools, universities and throughout the community as a measure of recognition to those that have selflessly, faithfully served." The process that will be used to identify veterans to be honored in the future is still under discussion.

The kickoff year for the Veterans Street Banner program is focused on those veterans who have been inducted into the Kentucky Veterans Hall of Fame. The organization is committed to highlighting the work of veterans, not only during their active-duty service, but also through service to their communities after their military service. The Kentucky Veterans Hall of Fame has held its meetings and ceremonies in Lexington since 2018. Details on their work and honorees can be found at kyveterans.org.

"Kentucky Veterans Hall of Fame feels very honored and very proud to be recognized by the City of Lexington and is very proud to call Lexington home," said Kentucky Veterans Hall of Fame Founder, CEO, President and Chairman H.B. Deatherage.

Lexington strives to be the most friendly and welcoming city for veterans, not only in Kentucky, but in the country. To learn about the work to help serve and honor our veterans, visit lexingtonky.gov/veteransaffairs.