Secretary of State
Grayson Continues to Promote New Voting Program Honoring Veterans

(Hopkinsville, 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.

"Our veterans are very important to us, and our veterans realize how important elections are.  They fight for our freedom and our right to vote," said Sen. Joey Pendleton (D-Hopkinsville).  "I am always pleased to see programs that stress the importance of voting and recognize our servicemen for their sacrifices."

            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. 

            Rep. Brent Yonts (D-Greenville) remarked, “I very much appreciate the Secretary of State coming to my district to encourage voter turnout with the Vote in Honor of a Veteran Program.  With such low voter turnout in recent elections, I applaud Secretary Grayson for his efforts to encourage participation while honoring the sacrifice of our veterans.”  

"As Vice-Chair of the House Committee on Military Affairs, I must applaud and thank Secretary Grayson, and his office, for such an effort.  By honoring our veterans with the simple act of voting, we are capturing the spirit of what our men and women in uniform have done for us, and continue to do for us, and that is protect all the freedoms we enjoy, and too often take for granted," noted Rep. John Tilley (D-Hopkinsville)

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.

"I can think of nothing more appropriate on election day than to pay tribute to those who fight for our right to a free and democratic process," said Major General Donald C. Storm, Adjutant General for Kentucky.  "It's been said that freedom is not free, and Kentucky's military men and women have a full appreciation of what that means.  I encourage everyone to take part in this new tradition, and above all else, get out and vote!"

“It's a great privilege to be able to honor those who have served and sacrificed for our nation by participating in the Vote in Honor of a Veteran Program. It's those individuals whose service has allowed us to be a democracy,” said Rep. Myron Dossett (R-Pembroke).  “The veterans that I will be honoring on Election Day are my father the late Aubrey D. Dossett who was a member of the U.S. Army from 1942-1945 during World War II. My father took great pride in his service to our country and he raised my brothers and me to respect all who serve our nation. I will also be honoring my brother Wilford D. Dossett who was a member of the U.S. Air Force from 1965-1974 and a Vietnam veteran.”

            Grayson also made the announcement in Hardin County near Fort Knox.  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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