HENDERSON, KY, November 19, 2020- The City of Henderson's Parks & Recreation Director Trace Stevens recently accepted
a Special Citation Award from the Kentucky Recreation & Parks Society on behalf of the Henderson War Memorial Foundation Inc.
The award was presented at the organization's annual meeting at The James E. Bruce Convention Center in Hopkinsville.
The Special Citation Award recognizes individuals, private industry or agencies that have given outstanding help or aid
in the field of recreation or leisure time pursuits.
"The Henderson War Memorial Foundation has had a remarkable presence in Henderson for decades," said
KRPS Executive Director Terri Wilkerson in a news release.
"Following the success of their first project, the Foundation determined that many other worthy projects could and
should be undertaken on behalf of veterans and their families.
Here is the narrative Stevens provided to KRPS in nominating the War Memorial Foundation for recognition:
--The Henderson War Memorial Foundation, Inc. (WMF) was founded in 1996 as a tax exempt corporation formed primarily to raise funds to construct a memorial dedicated to all military Veterans of Henderson County, Kentucky.
The WMF succeeded with this project when on Memorial Day, 1999,
the Henderson War Memorial was dedicated in Henderson's downtown Central Park.
--Following the success of this major effort, the WMF determined that many other worthy projects could and should be undertaken on behalf of Veterans and their families, so it was decided to expand the purpose and remain
together as a voluntary group governed by a Board of Directors.
--The WMF has also worked to fund Honor Flights to fly senior World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans to Washington, DC for a one day all expenses paid visit to see the memorials that are dedicated to
their service and sacrifices.
--The WMF also assists the American Legion Worsham Post 40 with the Memorial Day Crosses and Presentation in Central Park. This presentation of crosses is one of the few in the country that individually honors
everyone in the community that has served our country.
--The WMF erected the statue of Admiral Husband Kimmel at the Henderson Riverfront in 2016 in honor of the admiral in charge of the Pacific fleet during World War Two. They foundation raised funds and oversaw
the construction and installation of the bronze statue.
--The members of the Henderson War Memorial Foundation continue to make sure that veterans living and past are remembered and honored for their service, dedication and sacrifices.
"We congratulate the Henderson War Memorial Foundation and their staff as well as the Parks and Recreation Department that have worked together to further the pursuit of the quality of life and investing in
the citizens of their communities," the news release added.
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The Henderson War Memorial Foundation dedicates the Vietnam Memorial in Central Park in September after putting the finishing touches on it in late summer and early fall. (Photo by Donna B. Stinnett)
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