Kentucky Colonel: Difference between revisions
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* [[Diane Litterer]], Executive Director of the New Jersey Prevention Network |
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* [[Ann Margaret]], entertainer<ref name="KYFAMOUS" /> |
* [[Ann Margaret]], entertainer<ref name="KYFAMOUS" /> |
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* [[Dr. Rajkumar]], - Only Indian Actor for his outstanding contribution to the Kannada Film Industry.. |
* [[Dr. Rajkumar]], - Only Indian Actor/Singer for his outstanding contribution to the Kannada Film Industry.. |
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* [[Gene Markey]], Hollywood producer and screenwriter and highly-decorated naval officer |
* [[Gene Markey]], Hollywood producer and screenwriter and highly-decorated naval officer |
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* [[Irving Mills]], jazz music publisher<ref name="KYCOLWKS"/> |
* [[Irving Mills]], jazz music publisher<ref name="KYCOLWKS"/> |
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Revision as of 15:53, 28 December 2009
Kentucky Colonel is an honorary title bestowed upon individuals by approval of the governor of Kentucky. It is not a military rank, requires no duties, and carries with it no pay or compensation other than membership in the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels. Award of the title requires nomination from an existing colonel. Nominators are expected to consider the nominee's service and contributions to the global community before making a nomination. The sitting governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky bestows the honor of a Colonel's Commission, by issuance of a certificate.
History
The title Kentucky colonel has been around since 1813.[1] When the Kentucky Militia was deactivated following the War of 1812, Governor Isaac Shelby commissioned Charles S. Todd, one of his officers in the campaign, as an aide-de-camp on the Governor's Staff with the rank and grade of Colonel.[1] Todd married Shelby's youngest daughter two years later.
Early colonels actually served military roles. In the latter part of the 1800s, the position took on a more ceremonial function. Colonels in uniform attended functions at the Governor's mansion and stood as symbolic guards at state events. By the late 1800s, the title had become more of an honorary one. However, since commissioned Kentucky Colonels are considered members of the Governor's Staff and his honorary aides-de-camp, all are entitled to the style of Honorable as indicated on their commission certificates. This is rarely used, however; Kentucky Colonels are usually just referred to and addressed as Colonel.
Good works
After a person receives a commission they are invited to join the "The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels". This organization is an independent, non-profit corporation, whose title alludes to the style of Honorable mentioned above. The mission of this organization is to raise money to support needy charities, educational efforts, and other works that will help all citizens of Kentucky. The organization's good works do not stop at the borders of the Commonwealth. Recently the organization supported Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, partnering with another organization and contributing $25,000.[2]
Notable colonels
Some of the more famous recipients include:
- Muhammad Ali, professional boxer[3]
- Fred Astaire, entertainer[4]
- Omar Bradley, General of the Army[5]
- Eddie Cantor, entertainer[5]
- Winston Churchill, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom[6]
- Earl Combs, professional baseball player[7]
- Johnny Depp, actor[8]
- Jimmy Durante, actor[8]
- Dale Evans, western actress & musician[8]
- Stephen Foster, composer (awarded posthumously)[5]
- Jeff Foxworthy, comedian[8]
- Glenn Frey, musician[8]
- Stephen Fry, comedian[9]
- Clark Gable, actor[5]
- John Glenn, astronaut, U.S. senator[3]
- Whoopi Goldberg, comedian[8]
- Bob Hope, entertainer[5]
- Pope John Paul II[5]
- Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh, president of The Gambia and self-proclaimed curer of AIDS[10]
- Lyndon B. Johnson, U.S. president[6]
- Diane Litterer, Executive Director of the New Jersey Prevention Network
- Ann Margaret, entertainer[8]
- Dr. Rajkumar, - Only Indian Actor/Singer for his outstanding contribution to the Kannada Film Industry..
- Gene Markey, Hollywood producer and screenwriter and highly-decorated naval officer
- Irving Mills, jazz music publisher[4]
- Richard Petty, NASCAR driver[8]
- Elvis Presley, singer and actor[8]
- Roy Rogers, western actor & musician[8]
- Will Rogers, humorist[5]
- Babe Ruth, professional baseball player[7]
- Harland Sanders, founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken (often referred to simply as "The Colonel")[5]
- Norman Schwarzkopf, American general[8]
- James Senger, School Teacher
- Sir Ivan Stedeford, British industrialist and philanthropist
- Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy's[11]
- Hunter S. Thompson, Gonzo journalist and author[12]
- Todd Wellemeyer, pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals.[13]
- Mae West, actress and playwright[5]
- Tiger Woods, golfer[8]
See also
References
Notes
- ^ a b Kentucky Colonels Commonwealth of Kentucky, April 21, 2005. Retrieved September 10, 2006.
- ^ Kentucky Colonels Pledge $25,000 To Disaster Relief Brenda Rick Smith, KBC Communications, January 9, 2005. Retrieved September 10, 2006.
- ^ a b "Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels FAQ". Retrieved 2007-09-05.
- ^ a b "Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Good Works". Retrieved 2007-09-05.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Timeline". Retrieved 2007-09-05.
- ^ a b "Kentucky Secretary of State - Kentucky Colonels". Retrieved 2007-09-05.
- ^ a b Pomperoser, July 2009
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Famous Kentucky Colonels". Retrieved 2009-06-09.
- ^ "Spectator Magazine Lecture 'Would I live in America? In a heartbeat'". Retrieved 2009-06-14.
- ^ Republic of the Gambia State House web site.
- ^ The History Channel - American Eats
- ^ "Kentucky Colonels Honor". Retrieved 2009-06-12.
- ^ Governor Fletcher Honors Kentucky's Current Major League Baseball Players
Bibliography
- Carl Edwin Lindgren. Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels (February/March 2001). Il Mondo del Cavaliere, Vol. I, No. 1, p. 14. ISSN 1592 1425.