Lexington will celebrate veterans during the annual Week of Valor, seven days of events held around the community.
Veterans Resources United of Central/Southeastern Kentucky (VRUCK), the City of Lexington, the Lexington VA Health Care System and the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs have planned multiple events from Nov. 5 – 12 as part of the Week of Valor.
“I am so proud of those in our community who have committed a part of their lives to serving our country in the military,” Mayor Linda Gorton said. “My family is a military family, and I understand the sacrifices of those who serve and the families who support them. It is important to me, and our community, that Lexington recognizes and honors our veterans and their support system.”
Phyllis Abbott, Executive Director of Lady Veterans Connect and co-chair of VRUCK, has helped lead the charge to organize Week of Valor events in Lexington, along with her co-chairs Rev. James Thurman and Mike Sparks. VRUCK includes individuals who are committed to supporting veterans and their families: veterans’ service and resource providers, advocates, and other organizations.
“VRUCK was unable to sponsor a Veterans Day Parade this year,” Abbott said. “We chose to provide additional services and programs during the Week of Valor to honor our veterans, their families, National Guard and Reserves.”
The celebration kicks off Nov. 5, with Mayor Linda Gorton issuing a proclamation designating November 5 – 12 as Week of Valor in Lexington.
There are many events scheduled for the Week of Valor, including a two-day kick-off at Masterson Station Park, 3051 Leestown Road. On November 5 & 6, the park will host special guests, Fastrax Sky Diving Team, Toys for Tots toy drive with the U.S. Marine Corps, veterans claims assistance, flu shots and COVID-19 vaccinations, a military apparatus static display and a car show.
More information on these events is available at VRUCK.org/events. For more information contact Phyllis Abbott at (859) 806-4297 or James Thurman at (859) 421-5851.
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2021 Week of Valor events
Nov. 5 | 10 a.m. | Masterson Station Park
Mayor Gorton Proclamation; Deputy Secretary Keith Jackson; Fastrax Sky Diving Team
Nov. 5 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Masterson Station Park
Job fair
Nov. 5 & 6 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Masterson Station Park
Toys for Tots toy drive with U.S. Marine Corps; veterans claims assistance; Lexington VA Health Care System providing flu shots and COVID-19 vaccinations, as well as signing up veterans and families for healthcare.
Nov. 6 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Masterson Station Park
Military apparatus static display; car show
Nov. 7 | 1 p.m. | Lexington VA Health Care System Sousley Campus, 2250 Leestown Road
Lexington VA Health Care System VA5K (Register)
Nov. 8 | 6 p.m. | Hilton Lexington Downtown, 369 W. Vine St.
Women Veterans Appreciation Gala
Nov. 11 | 10 a.m. | Veterans Park, 650 Southpoint Dr.
Veterans Day Recognition Event & dedication of “Never Forget Garden”
Co-sponsored by Kentucky Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution and 4th District Councilmember Susan Lamb
Nov. 11 | 11 a.m. | Cove Haven Cemetery, 984 Whitney Ave.
NABVETS Cove Haven Cemetery Memorial
Nov. 12 | 6 p.m. | Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center, 300 E. Third St.
Dinner honoring World War II, Korean and Vietnam Veterans
