Lets talk Lee
Wow, thanks for the info. I wonder when LM was given this honor?
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Someone mentioned this a while back, and posted a Q re what it was/signified. This is what I found out so far..... bearing in mind that you can't beleive everything you read. But seems plausible enough. " Newsgroups: alt.scottish.clans Date: 2000/07/21 For those of you who were asking about the Honour of being commissioned a Kentucky Colonel: The highest honour awarded by the Commonwealth of Kentucky is a commission appointing a person as an Kentucky Colonel. The Colonels are Kentucky's ambassadors of goodwill and fellowship around the world. Commissions for Kentucky Colonels are awarded by the Governor and the Secretary of State to individuals in recognition of their noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding service to a community, state or the nation. This tradition began in 1813 during the second term of Governor Isaac Shelby, when he bestowed the title of Colonel to his son-in-law, Charles S. Todd, a member of his staff. Shelby later issued commissions to all who enlisted in his regiment in the War of 1812. Later, Governors commissioned colonels to act as their protective guard; they wore uniforms and were present at most official functions. (Today's Colonels are not required to perform such service.) Other Governors continued this practice and by 1932 their numbers had grown considerably. Astronaut John Glen was commissioned a colonel while in orbit! In 1932, under the direction of then Governor Ruby Laffoon, "Honorable Order" was added to the name to reflect the honorary status of its members. The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels incorporated as a charitable organization and by-laws were written to designate the organization as non-partisan, non-profit and dedicated to good works within the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Over the years, the Colonels have contributed thousands of dollars to worthy causes. In 1995, the Good Works Program Fund made grants totaling $1,151,000 to 159 charitable and educational organizations in Kentucky and seven other states bordering Kentucky whose services assist Kentuckians. It marked the sixth consecutive year grants of at least one million dollars had been made. The Governor and the Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky serve as the Commander-in-chief and Deputy Commander-in-Chief respectively to the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels. All officers serve with no remuneration. Kentucky Colonels are nominated by organizations, groups and individuals to the Office of the Governor. Under state law, each Governor can present only a certain number of commissions each year. The title is honorary, but with it comes respect from the state's military, law enforcement and community service organizations to its holders. Nominees must be Kentucky citizens by birth or adoption as certified by the Secretary of State. Kentucky Colonels can be found in business, government and industry all over the globe. They can be found in public and private life. Several entertainers, among them Bob Hope, Lee Majors, the members of the band Exile, Lily Tomlin and Paul Shafer have been honoured with this special recognition. John James Audobon, Kentucky's national environmentalist and nature painter, has also been honoured with this special award as well as selected leaders and citizens all over the Commonwealth. -- Colonel Charles R. Kaiser Clan MacNeil in Canada Web Services http://clanmacneil.ca"