Lexington unveils new street banner program to honor city’s veterans
Marine Pvt. Troy Bowling was in the first wave of Marines in early 1945 to land on the Japanese island of Iwo Jima during World War.
He was shot in the chest and leg. Thanks to a combat photographer, he was evacuated.
“As I lay bleeding on the black sands of Iwo Jima I looked to the heavens promising that if I survived, I would serve mankind for the rest of my life,” Bowling said.
He did just that, according to a summary of his achievements compiled by the Lexington History Museum.
Bowling worked with the Disabled American Veterans after the war, helping widows and combat veterans sign up for benefits. He eventually became a state commander in the organization.
After he retired, his service continued. He was a constant at the Lexington Veterans Affairs Hospital, arriving at 5 a.m., five days a week, eventually racking up 73,000 volunteer hours. He died in 2017.
Bowling and 23 other veterans’ stories are now part of a first-ever downtown Lexington banner program along Vine Street honoring and highlighting some of the city’s veterans.
Lexington’s Commission on Veterans’ Affairs partnered with Mayor Linda Gorton’s office and the Lexington History Museum to collect and coordinate information presented on the banners.
The 24 honored on Vine Street banners are Fayette County residents who have been inducted in the Kentucky Veterans Hall of Fame.
“Veterans are near and dear to my heart, and I am excited we are able to provide another opportunity to honor their service,” Gorton said.
The mayor has multiple family members who are serving or have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, including her husband Charlie Gorton, a retired U.S. Army major general.
“It has been a goal of mine to provide more opportunities and support for our veterans than we have done in the past, and this program is another step forward,” she said.
In addition to the banners, residents can learn more about each veteran at a digital exhibit curated by the Lexington History Museum at www.lexhistory.org/veterans.
“The veterans street banners are an entry point for learning more about the featured veterans, their service, and their community work after their time in the military,” said Amanda Higgins, executive director of the Lexington History Museum. “We are proud to help tell those stories.”
Commission of Veterans’ Affairs Chair Robert Larkin said they hope the banner program will expand beyond city streets.
“Our hope is that the street banner project will expand and grow to include our businesses, schools, universities and throughout the community as a measure of recognition to those that have selflessly, faithfully served,” Larkin said.
