
Jerry Janes, chairman of the Bardstown-Nelson County Veterans Park committee, spoke about the importance of the park at the annual Memorial Day observance at the city cemetery.
By JERRY JANES
BNCVP Chairman
Good morning.
From the early days of our country to the most recent global conflicts, our local military has met the challenge of protecting our freedom. The Nelson County citizens have always shown pride in these men and women, honoring them with a tradition of respect, honor, and appreciation.
Today, we gather again with a purpose that bridges generations that echo through the very heart of our nation. We pay tribute to the brave men and women who served our nation. They served us for the promise of Liberty, that the future generations will inherit this land.
On Memorial Day, we honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, and who gave their all. In the words of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt,
“Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we’ve enjoyed forget in time that men have died to win those privileges.”
Each name etched in stone represents a life cut short, a family forever changed. Let us remember not as statistics, but as sons, daughters, brothers, sisters and friends. Let us remember that freedom is not free, it is earned.
Let us cherish freedom and remember forever those who fought and died for our freedom. The sacrifices, their courage, and unwavering commitment deserve our deepest gratitude.
John F. Kennedy explained the appreciation in these words:
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.”
Kennedy’s words are a call to action, a rallying cry for our community to come together, to create a space that reflects our shared values. A place where families can gather, children can play, and veterans can find solace.
As President Kennedy explained, our Veterans deserve more than a few words of gratitude. We must honor them with our actions. Let us be stewards of memory, the custodians of gratitude and the architects of legacy.
I ask the question — what legacy do we want to leave for the next generation?
Let us honor our Veterans by building a park that will stand the test of time. The executive committee is a group of local veterans who have come together to create a place of remembrance and reflection.
In our mission statement, we have six main goals:
WE WILL DEVELOP a community park sponsored by local veterans and active military that will showcase our commitment to the community beyond our service to the country.
WE WILL ESTABLISH a formal gathering place to recognize the service of all Nelson County Veterans.
WE WILL DEVELOP an appreciation and sense of military history focused on the sacrifices made by Nelson County Veterans.
WE WILL ENRICH the education of children by providing opportunities for schools to visit the park for educational purposes using online digital technology (WIFI).
WE WILL SUPPORT community-sponsored events in a location easily accessible to the public.
WE WILL PROMOTE the Bardstown-Nelson County Veterans Park to support the hospitality and tourism industry of our community.
In the words of Harry Truman,
“Our debt to the heroic men and women in the service to our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their service.”
Our commitment to the park, driven by respect and gratitude, will ensure that we never forget our debt to those men and women.
We ask that you consider our mission and join us in supporting the park. With your help, the park will be an asset to the community, honoring all Veterans and providing a gathering place for our community.