Each day, more memories like the sights and sounds, of World War II disappear with the passing of those who served. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs statistics, 362 WW II veterans die each day.

Of the 16 million Americans who served in the war, only about 500,000 are living. Around 6,400 of those veterans, most in their late 80s and 90s, call Kentucky home.

Blue Grass Energy and Kentucky's Touchstone Energy Cooperatives sponsor Honor Flight each year to show appreciation for those who served in WW II as well as Korea and Vietnam. It allows us to sponsor and thank veterans like Kenneth Simpson of Cynthiana and Donald Brady of Berea, both Blue Grass Energy members. 

Mr. Simpson and Mr. Brady will join about 60 other veterans participating in the 2018 Honor Flight. This is the eighth year, Blue Grass Energy and Kentucky's Touchstone Energy Cooperatives are taking veterans, free of charge, to tour the national monuments that honor them. It is the third flight in partnership with Honor Flight Kentucky.

We invite everyone to join us at 8:00 p.m., Saturday, September 22, at Lexington's Blue Grass Airport to give Mr. Simpson, Mr. Brady, and all the other veterans an unforgettable welcome home. It's our small way of saying thanks for the big sacrifices these veterans have made.

For more information about Honor Flight, visit http://honorflightky.org.