The U.S. is celebrating this Veterans Day with virtual gatherings and spectator-free parades. Many of the traditional ceremonies have been canceled this year because of the surging coronavirus that has killed thousands of veterans. Several of the nation’s veterans' homes are fighting new outbreaks and are barring visitors. In New York City, a quiet parade of military vehicles with no spectators rolled through Manhattan Wednesday.
President Donald Trump took part in the Veterans Day observance at Arlington National Ceremony. President-Elect Joe Biden attended a ceremony in Pennsylvania. So far, about 4,200 veterans have died from COVID-19 at facilities run by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Here in Fayette County, a ceremony normally held at Lexington's Veterans Park moved on-line. Speakers included Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton, Council Member Susan Lamb, Congressman Andy Barr and the Deputy Commissioner at the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs and 40-year veteran Dean Stoops. The virtual crowd also heard the incredible vocals of Lyric Theatre's Executive Director Whit Whitaker.
To all of the more than 300-thousand veterans now living in Kentucky and to veterans everywhere, all of us at 91.3 WUKY would like to thank you and your family for your service and say Happy Veterans Day!