Honor Train: More than we expected
My husband and I had the honor of being aboard the honor train for Vietnam Vets at the Bluegrass Railroad Museum in Versailles on Sunday. We were very impressed with the ride and especially the welcome when we got back. It was much more than we expected. We want to thank all involved with making this day such a treat for us, and I’m sure many more vets were honored. I’m sure it was a monumental undertaking. The 70s were a very traumatic time for America, and it means a lot that people remember the vets who came home to hate instead of appreciation in those times. Young men (and women) came home to a different place altogether than the home they left months before. Many were drafted and did their duty as was expected of them, and didn’t really pay attention to the politics involved at the time. They did what they were supposed to do and came home to hate and disrespect. Thank you, Fred Doster and his wife, along with Military Missions, and all who made this day possible (way too many for me to list). It was a great day of seeing old friends and making new ones. We were so touched by how many turned out to welcome us home, and we thank every one of you who did.
Ralph and Carolyn Anderson
US Navy Vets
Lexington
Thanks to library for hosting forum
The Woodford County Library was more than just a house of books at the first Community Candidate Forum March 18. It was a showcase of our local democracy with both Democrats and Republicans at the podium. As we approach the May 19 primaries, the candidate forum offered a vibrant, essential look at the men and women asking for your vote.Thank you to the candidates who showed up and answered questions. It takes courage to stand before your neighbors, lay out your vision and answer tough questions. With many first-time candidates in the mix, it was refreshing to hear new voices speak authentically about who they are and what they hope to achieve. We applaud them, both the Republicans and Democrats, who showed up.This is democracy – transparent, accessible and community-driven. The packed room proved there is a powerful movement of people in Woodford County who want to engage. Not on social media, but in real life.We want to know what’s going on and hear directly from those who seek to lead.All candidates with primaries were invited to speak. A disappointment was the empty seats unfilled by candidates reputedly “chosen” to win by the Republican Party leadership. It is a disservice to the voters when party leaders try to decide primaries in advance, and that some forums are beneath them, or that their chosen status exempts them from public scrutiny.When the establishment avoids the conversation, it only reinforces the need for the grassroots energy we saw on display.Our library is a true community gem, providing the perfect open space for democracy. Please stay engaged, Woodford County, and vote in the primary election on May 19. The candidates who show up now and answer questions will be more likely to implement our county’s wishes when elected
Lisa Watkins Woodford County Democratic Party Executive Committee