About the VETERANS Park

A Tribute to Our Veterans, 
Built by the Community

The Bardstown-Nelson County Veterans Memorial Park stands as a lasting tribute to the brave men and women who served our country. Built with the dedication of the Nelson County community, the park is a place to reflect, honor, and learn about the sacrifices of our veterans.
Bardstown-Nelson County Veterans Memorial Park entrance showcasing monuments and reflecting space for local veterans.
Introduction to the Park

The Veterans Park

Situated on a 1.2-acre site at 230 Plaza Drive, near the Justice Center, work is
underway to transform this space into a vibrant community asset.
The park’s features include:
Mission and Vision

Preserving the Legacy of Service and Sacrifice.

Who we are

We are a dedicated group of veterans and community members who came together in September 2021 with one goal: to create a space that honors andappreciates all Veterans and Active Military in a lasting and impactful way.

Our leadership team includes veterans from various branches of the U.S. military, along with community leaders who share a commitment to preserving the legacy of service and sacrifice:
Leadership Team:
Jerry Janes, Sergeant, USA – Chairman
Chief Petty Officer Martha Nest, USCGR, Ret. –Treasurer
Peggy Smith – Executive Secretary
Jennifer Santangelo – Executive Assistant
Jim Brown, Captain, USA
Major General Lonnie Culver, USA, Retired
Colonel Mark W. Erwin, USA, Retired
Chief Master Sergeant Kenny Fogle, USA, Retired
Brigadier General Thomas R. Ice, USA, Retired
Chief Warrant Officer Robert V. Kelly, USA, Retired
Brigadier General Joe Lear, ARNG
Colonel Steve Mattingly, ARNG
Specialist Joseph E. Neel, USA
Corporal Kenny Nevitt, USMC
Staff Sergeant Kevin Rogers, USA, Retired
Lt. Colonel Michael A. Thomas, USA, Retired
Corporal Kenny Thomas, USMC
Sergeant Roland Williams, USAF
Johnny Warren – Executive Artistic Director- The Stephen Foster Story
Ken and Beckie Hatfield – Design
Bench sponsorship payment form for Bardstown-Nelson County Veterans Memorial Park honoring local veterans.

Together, we aim to honor our past, serve our present, and inspire future generations through this meaningful project.