(Elizabethtown, KY) Flanked by state legislators and veterans, Secretary of State Trey Grayson launched the “Vote in Honor of a Veteran” program, an initiative designed to increase voter participation by honoring the service of America’s military men and women. The program will also allow the Office of the Secretary of State to serve as a historical repository for memories of Kentucky veterans.
“We seek to honor those who have served so honorably for our country and Commonwealth,” stated Secretary Grayson. “This program will not only serve as a reminder about the importance of voting and our democratic process, but will also allow us to pay tribute and remember the enormous sacrifice of these great Americans.”
The program has two main components. The first are personalized buttons that citizens can wear on Election Day to honor their favorite veterans. Buttons can be acquired by visiting most local County Clerk’s offices, or citizens may submit a request online at the Office of the Secretary of State website.
Also on the website is a tribute gallery where visitors can read stories and tributes from the friends and families who have elected to honor their loved ones through the simple act of voting. Citizens can also submit a written tribute about the individual that they have chosen to honor with their vote. Selected tributes will be posted in the online testimony gallery or collected for the archives of the Kentucky Historical Society.
"There are few better ways to honor those who fought for our democracy than to actively participate in the electoral process," said Sen Elizabeth Tori (R-Radcliff).
Grayson originally announced the program at Veteran’s Day ceremonies in Butler and Breckinridge Counties on Veteran’s Day in 2006. The program is flourishing in other states and has become a source of pride for many veterans in those areas.
"With Fort Knox in our district, we're very conscious of the great sacrifices our armed forces have made to protect our freedom, and there is no greater freedom than the right to vote," said Rep. Jeff Greer, (D-Brandenburg), who serves as Vice Chair of the House Seniors, Military Affairs and Public Safety Committee. "The Vote in Honor of a Veteran Program will give voters the opportunity to demonstrate their pride in an individual veteran while encouraging others to exercise their right to vote. I hope all Kentuckians participate in this wonderful tribute to our veterans."
The Office of the Secretary of State will be working with veterans groups across the Commonwealth to advertise the program, particularly to increase the number of comments left in the tribute gallery. The program will also be a focus of the Office of the Secretary of State’s booth at the 2007 state fair.
"As a veteran, I appreciate Secretary Trey Grayson's effort to honor those who have served to preserve our freedoms,” remarked Rep. Tim Moore (R-Elizabethtown). It is said that freedom is not free, and indeed even now thousands of America's finest young men and women are serving in harm's way. As we determine to honor their sacrifice and service, let us never take for granted the freedoms that have been won for us on fields of battle. By our simple act of voting, we participate in this sacred blessing we call liberty."
Rep. C.B Embry (R-Morgantown) commented, “It is a fitting tribute that we should honor America’s service men and women by voting. I encourage every citizen to participate.”
Grayson will also make the announcement in Christian County near Fort Campbell. For more information about the new program, to order a personalized button, or to leave a tribute to a veteran, please visit: www.sos.ky.gov/veterans.
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