Lexington, Kentucky; November 8, 2019: In a departure from the tradition of reflecting on various units and elements of the Marine Corps during the annual Kentucky Marine Corps Birthday Breakfast at the Thoroughbred Club of America (Keeneland), Marine Corps, recipients of the Medal of Honor, having Kentucky connections, were remembered by hometown, war and battle, as their valor was celebrated by all 126 marines and guests in attendance. (Each of these Medal of Honor recipients is profiled in the “Legends” section of this website.) In keeping with the theme of military valor, we were pleased to have as our keynote speaker and guest of honor, Col Gerald T. “Jerry” Cecil, U.S. Army (Retired), a native of Morgan County, Kentucky and 1966 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. Col Cecil’s presence and remarks at the 29th Annual Kentucky Marine Corps Birthday Breakfast further enhanced our recognition of valor, which transcends all branches of our Armed Forces, as he is a Vietnam War veteran and the recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross, our nation’s second highest award for valor in combat. Col Cecil currently serves as Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for the Commonwealth of Kentucky and as a director of the Kentucky Vietnam Memorial. We thank him for gracing our breakfast table.
