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While the 80th anniversary of D-Day has come and gone, there are still plenty of ways to recognize and assist veterans. 

Thankfully, people are taking action.

The Central Kentucky Veteran’s Day of Valor occurs on Friday, June 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Though Lady Veterans Connect has played a significant role in putting on the event, the Day of Valor will take place at the Auxiliary Gym of George Rogers Clark High School at 2745 Boonesboro Road. 

“It will be a resource day and claims,” said Kim Elkins, who is helping put on the event. “What that means is all veterans…[of] really any county in Kentucky can come in [and] we’ll have resource vendors there that will deal with jobs [and more].” 

In total, over 25 vendors are expected to be present for veterans, their families, and caretakers. 

Among them will be Disabled American Veterans (DAV), The American Legion, National Association of Black Veterans (NABVETS), The Brain Injury Foundation, Mountain Comprehensive Care Center, New Vista, the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs, and more. 

Also present to host a blood drive will be the American Red Cross. 

“We want to encourage the community [to] come out and give blood whether they’re a veteran or not because there is a blood shortage,” said Phyllis Abbott, the executive director and Founder of Lady Veterans Connect.  

The event largely grew out of gratitude for the services and sacrifices that veterans have provided. 

“[It’s] just to show them that we appreciate [them] and they have not been forgotten,’ Elkins said. “We can never repay them for what they’ve done for us.” 

However, the event – which will feature a 10:30 a.m. opening ceremony featuring state and local officials including Winchester Mayor JoEllen Reed – is prominently featured for other reasons. 

“One thing that veterans have a tendency to do is to silo themselves, and they don’t talk about their experiences,” Abbott said. “[By] bringing them together in a venue like this, they’ll have a conversation more openly between themselves.” 

In addition to providing resources about jobs and services available to veterans, attendees can expect to gather information about the PACT Act. 

Signed into law in 2022, the PACT Act improves healthcare access and funding for veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during military service. 

Food and drink will be provided, with door prizes to be awarded as well. 

For more information, including possibilities of sponsorships or being a vendor, contact Phyllis Abbott at (859) 806-4297 or Kim Elkins at (731) 798-6700.