Gov. Matt Bevin joined veterans and state leaders for a re-dedication of the Capitol Education Center Monday – rechristening the building in honor of the state’s “Gold Star” families.
From now on, the 60,000-plus visitors who walk through the doors of the center every year will see markers honoring military families who have lost loved ones in conflicts, a recognition Finance and Administration Cabinet Sec. William Landrum said was long overdue.
"Nowhere on the Capitol campus do we recognize the pride and the sacrifice of these Kentucky families," he told the packed room.
In attendance was Lynn Romans, whose son Darrin was killed in Iraq in 2003, the first Kentucky guardsman combat death since Vietnam. She said the “Gold Star” designation is one no mother wants, but she’s honored to have it.
"I'm a Gold Star mom and I say I raised a hero, and I'm very proud of that," Romans said.
Also receiving a brief nod from Sec. Landrum was former Kentucky First Lady Jane Beshear, whose name once graced the building she helped to fund.
"I applaud First Lady Beshear on her efforts to help raise funds for this center," Landrum said in his introduction. "And I want to publicly say thank you for having the vision to provide a space for school groups to gather."
The removal of Beshear’s name earlier this year raised questions for some Democrats who wondered aloud whether the testy relationship between the current and former governor played a role. Bevin said he did not make the decision, but has praised the move to recognize military families who have made the ultimate sacrifice.