The last Monday in May has been set aside to honor our military men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving to protect our nation. Many Kentuckians are among those who we remember and pay respect to each Memorial Day.

I am proud to be a member of the Kentucky General Assembly where we continually recognize and honor our members of the military, veterans, and their families.

The Kentucky Wounded or Disabled Veterans Program was created under House Bill 225. This program will help ease the transition from active service for wounded or disabled veterans and ensure they receive their federal, state, and private benefits.

House Bill 280 directs the Kentucky Department of Veterans' Affairs to distribute a fact sheet concerning military burial rights to funeral directors once notified of a veteran's death. This bill also classifies disorderly conduct at military funerals a crime of the first degree.

The fee for special Gold Star Mothers license plates was eliminated through the passage of House Bill 390. Those who are eligible for a Gold Star Mothers license plate may receive up to two plates annually for vehicles they own or lease.

Under Senate Bill 186, the Kentucky Housing Corporation is required to provide housing assistance to a regular member of the United States Armed Forces, who names Kentucky as their home of record for military purposes, during that member's deployment on active duty outside the United States.

House Bill 128 recognizes financial education assistance as a way to honor those who have served in the military. The eligibility for education benefits are expanded to cover public higher education or vocational tuition for the child, under the age of 24, of a veteran who is permanently and totally disabled, or deceased.

By recognizing their service, we pay tribute to the tradition of freedom that these men and women fought to preserve. This year we can actively remember our ancestors, family members, loved ones, neighbors, and friends who have given the ultimate sacrifice by:

Visiting cemeteries and placing flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes.

Flying the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon.

Renewing a pledge to aid the widows, widowers, and orphans of our fallen heroes, and to aid disabled veterans.

My colleagues and I acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of those who served our country and realize the responsibility we have to protect our freedom they fought to preserve. By remembering all who have served in the armed forces, we recognize their willingly-endured hardship and fears taken upon themselves so we can live in peace and security.