BY RICK GIRDLER
State Senator

Across the Bluegrass, Kentuckians await the arrival of Memorial Day weekend. As family and friends gather, it is imperative to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice protecting our country. The brave men and women who fought and died, defending the freedom we covet as Americans, deserve our respect and gratitude. Collectively, I ask that we pay tribute and celebrate the true meaning of the upcoming holiday.

The “National Moment of Remembrance” encourages all citizens throughout the United States to pause for a moment of silence at 3 p.m., local time on Monday, May 28th. As we honor fallen service men and women, it is also a time to acknowledge the families of these heroes who live on and preserve the memories of their loved ones.

In Kentucky, we have the “Gold Star License Plate” for family members looking to honor their beloved ones who gave their lives in service to our nation. If you or another family member are interested in obtaining one of these special license plates, please do not hesitate to contact the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs. You can call them at 502-564-9203 or visit the website atwww.veterans.ky.gov.

While we remember those who served this Memorial Day weekend, I also encourage you to get involved in your communities. Whether by volunteering for a local veteran-oriented charity or attending weekend festivities, please be proactive with your support of our military families and their loved ones.

During the 2018 Session of the General Assembly, we crafted a two-year state budget that ensured the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs remained fully funded. As your state senator, I will continue to offer my support for programs and legislation serving military families, especially those who have lost loved ones in the line of duty.

It is an honor to serve you in Frankfort and I wish you and your family a blessed and safe Memorial Day weekend.

If you have any questions or comments about the issues or any other public policy issue, please call me toll-free at (800) 372-7181 or you can email me at Rick.Girdler@LRC.ky.gov. You can also review the Legislature’s work online at www.lrc.ky.gov.

Sen. Rick Girdler (R-Somerset) represents the 15th District including Boyle, Lincoln, and Pulaski counties.