Memorial Day Observance
The last Monday in May is set aside to remember those men and women who died in military service to their country. Lexington’s official observance ceremony is held annually at The Lexington National Cemetery, located just inside the front gates of The Lexington Cemetery. The service is held annually at 11 a.m. and includes featured remarks, the presentation of The Colors, playing of “Taps,” and a 3-volley salute. Participants include the members of American Legion Man O’ War Post No. 8 and its Ladies Auxiliary. The 2011 Featured Speaker was COL Steve Parker USAF (Ret.)
Colonel Parker served 29 years as an Air Force officer, retiring as a Colonel. He logged over 5,000 hours flying time in five different Air Force aircraft.
Col. Parker has combat experience during the Vietnam War, the 1973 Arab-Israeli War, Granada, the Persian Gulf War and Bosnia. During his military career he commanded four different Air Force organizations and traveled to 93 countries. In addition to his aviation time, he has over ten years experience working internationally significant issues with NATO, the United Nations and many embassies around the globe.
After retirement from the U.S. Air Force, he served as executive director of the Aviation Museum of Kentucky, 2000-2004. He was appointed Deputy Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Aviation for the period 2004-2010. Today, he is a Client Liaison for Aviation with ENTRAN, a multi-discipline consulting firm. Since 2000, he has been a public speaking instructor at the University of Kentucky.
Col. Parker is a director of the Kentucky Aviation Association, co-chair of the Air Transport Committee, Kentuckians for Better Transportation, past director of the Bluegrass Military Affairs Coalition. He teaches Sunday School at Porter Memorial Baptist Church.
Patriotic Americans are invited to join the cemetery in remembering and saluting those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
2011 Memorial Day Photo Gallery
2011 Memorial Day Video
2010 Memorial Day Photo Gallery 2010 Memorial Day Video
Video Highlights from 2009 Memorial Day Observance Presentation of Colors, National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance Invocation/Welcome Commissioner Margaret Plattner, LCDR (Ret.) USN Placing of Wreath/Rifle Team/Taps
VIEW VIDEO
2009 Memorial Day Photo Gallery
Video Highlights from 2008 Memorial Day Observance Presentation of Colors Invocation/Welcome Mayor Jim Newberry Placing of Wreath/Amazing Grace Rifle Team/Taps
VIEW VIDEO
2008 Memorial Day Photo Gallery
Video Highlights from 2007 Memorial Day Observance Presentation of Colors Invocation & Welcome Major General Charles E. Gorton, USAR Placing of the Wreath & Amazing Grace Rifle Team & Taps
2007 Memorial Day Photo Gallery
2003-04 Memorial Day Photo Gallery
Our speakers since 2001 have been:
2010
Bob Kovacic, LTC USA (Ret.)
2009
Deputy Commissioner Margaret Plattner, LCDR(Ret.) USN
Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs
2008
Mayor Jim Newberry
Lexington Fayette Urban County Government
2007
MG Charles E. Gorton COMMANDER,
81st Regional Readiness Sustainment Command
Fort Jackson, South Carolina
2006
Steve Logan, Lieutenant Colonel Military Police (USAR)
2005
BG Bruce Pieratt, KYANG (Ret.)
Mayor Teresa Isaac
2004
U.S. Representative A.B. (Ben) Chandler
2003
Major General William E. Barron
2002
Forest Farley, Director of the Lexington VA Medical Center
2001
U.S. Represenative Ernie Fletcher
