STAMPING GROUND, Ky. (LEX 18) — A Scott County town is starting a new tradition to honor men and women of the military who have died.
In advance of Memorial Day weekend, crews installed poles up and down Main Street. From the tops hang banners with a dozen or so names. Each of the more than 300 names represents a son or daughter of Stamping Ground who served our country, and is no longer with us.
"Got a couple relatives up on one of them actually. Great grandfather was in World War I, and then another family cousin served in Korea," Stamping Ground Mayor Keith Murphy said.
"When you see those names up there, it gets a little personal. I get soft at times," City Commissioner Rob Jones said.
In a town of 845 people, everyone knows everyone. Each one of these names still lives through someone in Stamping Ground.
"There's a lot of people coming out, walking up and down Main Street looking at the names, trying to find their loved one's name on the banner. That's been a great thing to see," Jones said.
Murphy and Jones helped lead the effort to install 29 poles through their beloved town. Twenty-six banners hang from the top, each with more than a dozen names.
"It's just a way to pay back," said Jones.
This display is also a source of strength. It's showing those still here how many brave men and women signed up to protect our freedom.
"It's sobering. It makes you proud too because you realize there are so many who came out of this little community," said Murphy.
They may be gone, but their legacy lives on through these banners and the heartbeat of the town.
The mayor and city commissioner wants to make sure that every name of those who have served in the military and died are recognized in Stamping Ground. If you don't see your loved one or neighbor on one of these banners, contact City Hall and they'll try and get that fixed as soon as possible.
