>> Isolation is a killer and our community is much deadlier.

The enemy we're faced of overseas.

>> How one organization is helping to heal those who protect our freedom.

♪ History takes flight with the first ever all-women honor flight.

>> We don't just have Americans anymore.

We're representing the globe.

>> America's rich diversity on full display as refugees in Bowling green celebrate their culture and their journey to the U.S.. >> Production of Kentucky Edition is made possible in part by the Kaye E T and Aument for Kentucky Productions.

Leonard Preston Down for Public Affairs and the Kaye E Team Millennium Fund.

♪ ♪ >> Good evening and welcome to this special edition of the July 4th edition of Kentucky.

Addition, We hope you're having a great holiday.

I'm Renee Shaw.

Thank you for spending part of your evening with us.

For many Americans today will be filled with parades, fireworks and backyard barbecues as we celebrate the 4th of July.

Toby gives has more on what happened on this day in 17.

76 that led to the birth of our country.

>> The story begins well before 17.

76 tensions had been building between the 13 colonies and the mother country.

Great Britain for more than a decade, according to Carol Easterly of the Kentucky Historical Society.

>> Really the main kind of rallying cry no taxation without representation.

Columnist did not have any representatives in parliament and yet the British government continue to kind of pile on it more and more taxes.

And they really felt that that was pretty unfair.

And that had been going on for a while all the way back in the 17 60's.

>> A growing movement push for independence from Britain.

War began in 17.

75, though, not all columnists supported the revolution.

There were those loyal to Britain and they hope to reconciliation was still possible.

>> I've read historians estimate anywhere between 15, 20, maybe 30% of colonists were loyal to the British crown.

Some of them Some fled to Canada where they received and given asylum in Canada.

Some did take up arms with the British Army.

There wasn't sort of a general uprising of loyalists and others just tried to kind of stay out of the fray, but they would not join the colonists and their fight against the British government.

>> In May of 17, 76, almost 2 months before the Declaration of Independence.

The continental Congress passed a resolution urging the colonies to break away from Britain and form their own governments.

Massachusetts delegate John Adams wrote the preamble to that resolution and always believe that preamble was the true Declaration of Independence.

>> Adams is ego and rivalry was Jefferson might have had a little bit to do with his with his ongoing insistence.

>> In a sense, July 4th is not Independence Day.

The continental Congress met in Philadelphia on July.

First, the next day, July second, 12 of the 13 colonies voted for Richard Henry.

Lee's motion for Independence.

Delegates then spent the next 2 days.

Revising the document announcing and explaining the decision to break away from Britain.

A document already being worked on by Virginia delegate Thomas Jefferson.

Then on July 4th, the continental Congress adopted that document, the Declaration of Independence with late 18th century transportation and communications slow it took days even weeks.

>> For word to spread throughout the colonies and territories beyond including Kentucky.

>> It would have taken several weeks at least 4 news from the eastern colonies to reach These frontier settlements were still very remote, Kentucky at this point still part of Virginia.

The colony of Virginia in 17.

76, it became a separate county and that was for the purpose of defense.

>> The Declaration of Independence and its famous phrases.

All men are created equal and life liberty and the pursuit of happiness have inspired Americans for 246 years and people seeking freedom in other parts of the world.

Carol Easterly says the declarations message can still inspire unity today.

>> I think we're we're living through very polarized moment right now.

But the ideals.

That are expressed in the Declaration of Independence.

It's something that all Americans can get behind.

Now, certainly the very high ideals.

And once that we've never perfectly lived up to as a country.

But that doesn't mean we don't continue to try to live more fully into them to grow into them.

And we've had activists at different times in our history have called us out and it kind of tried, you know, called us to be who we say we want to be in in the Declaration of independence.

And so I think it's it's kind of a beacon for us to, you know, a goal to kind of continue growing toward as a country.

>> For KET, I'm told he gives.

>> Here's an interesting side note about the 4th of July and Kentucky.

A marker and Jessamine County notes that on July 4th, 17 94 Colonel William Price, a Revolutionary War veteran.

How one of the first Independence Day celebrations west of the Alleghenies where he hosted 40 veterans.

What does it mean to be an American?

We posed that question to Kentucky hands throughout the show will bring you some of the answers we received like these.

being brain.

I am a veteran and I feel like it.

We stand for something you can just come and treat people any kind of weight we have to pay for that.

I am proud to be an American because regardless of the fact of the stature of what other people want to see me as in this country, people fall out and brought everything to this country.

Think that we use things that we you know, last year to hours, be grateful for what people want and need to get it.

>> To be in America.

And it means.

Freedom.

The right.

To live the kind of life that you desire and the right to go after that kind of life and to work for that kind of life.

And to think about those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

>> The sacrifices of this country's military men and women are the reason all Americans are able to celebrate today.

Sometimes that sacrifice comes at a cost to those who served among the most common problems veterans face after their services ended unemployment, homelessness and mental health issues.

Veterans Club Inc in Shelby County is on a mission to provide the services veterans need to heal and live better lives.

>> I was in order for 9 years deployed to Iraq during the initial We worked prisoner of war camps in term of facilities, both and so in Iraq and have a and near Baghdad were in training to prepare for Whether we ever go or not your toe s*** it up and drive on.

Are your to stuff it down.

If you're sad, get mad, right?

You're told to put these fields away so that you complete the mission.

Now that serves us very well and a combat environment.

But if you look at how long you're in combat versus the time in your life that you're not, it's very, very small.

I was known for a long time when I come home, I literally felt nothing.

>> He was kind of cut off from everybody.

He >> Show a desire to really interact socially.

We just got to a place where we realize this wasn't living.

This wasn't going to create a successful half family environment for us.

And that's when we realize that we needed to see other other forms of healing.

And that's when the horses came into our life when he applied for the equine out in Kansas.

I was like, yeah, this is this is going to be I really liked it there.

I just as I started to brush the horse.

>> You know, she'd heard flying off the horse and just a decision that that was some of the stuff that I was scared.

>> And it really got me to a level of calm that had experience for years decades.

I don't know at that so much the horse, the way that the horse made me feel.

But I felt I could focus on something other than the bad things that experienced when he came back.

The change was was unbelievable.

He knew what was missing in his life and he wanted to >> be able to provide that for others and it and it was what others were missing in their life as well as the very first.

So every time that there are flies, look that fly like that.

Leave you right?

>> I have actually got my life back because of that risk has and the horses and lost 4 men and a helicopter crash.

And I actually watched to go down.

It was trying to comprehend what happened.

4 guys are still at the bottom of the ocean.

Because we couldn't get them.

The mission had to come first.

So I have trouble dealing with that.

I came home and things weren't the same.

I wasn't the same.

I was changed.

I was taking 18 different types of medications living in a fog.

I wasn't a good dad.

Wasn't a good husband, but on my computer looking for ways to get help.

And I saw this things called veterans close election isolation is a killer in our community that much deadlier the enemy we ever faced overseas.

So the foundation of everything we do is connection here.

We are together.

>> And this horses were great buffer so that we could have a conversation about our hardest days.

It's different if you're just said across from someone in a room.

>> Back when I got out of service 1975.

There was nothing I hear like this for veterans to in our school crime through this.

No man up.

The man.

Well, that didn't work.

It's really hard because you're trying to.

>> You're almost trying to break down a culture that is saved them here to a certain point in their life.

>> Anything that your current want to let your service to start to catch on that.

Okay.

So connections the answer.

What else are we going to do?

It?

>> To provide this level of connection because horses are great little now, but not not everyone does.

We decided camaraderie and coffee.

Very simple concept, but very impactful.

We partnered with a local gun range to now where we have better to come out and their families.

If they're old enough, they can.

They convert.

They can join as well and they can use firearms at the range and then we have food dependent on what month it is.

It would be their pistols and pizza or to be both a barbecue with live events program that just kicked about a year ago.

The operation GI Bill to stop or to the fore veterans to learn automotive repair.

We took over the Veterans Village March 3rd, 2021.

We've had 10 veterans who have come this program since we've taking over who are now out working today.

Not kill everybody.

You have to find what works for you.

The gist of got all kinds of different things.

You can do all kinds of services if you've got problems.

>> Talk about it.

That's the big thing.

>> One of the reasons it's important to have these wraparound services because a lot can go between phone calls.

You may be the last call, but a better makes before they decide to pull the trigger, do something to end their life.

I do not expect a recession and grow to what it is now.

>> It really solidified the fact that Jeremy.

>> Hit the nail on the head.

This isn't a hobby for me.

This is a passion for me.

We're just going to keep focusing on what it's true in the mission at hand and just work and our best to create a good, prosperous life for those who have served the deserve.

It.

>> I want to be an American means that you should have the tolerance and ability to appreciate other people's point of use and celebrate their freedom this ball.

So having them respect you around.

>> What I like best about America is that no matter?

What our beliefs are, what our thoughts are.

We have that freedom to have our own thoughts and beliefs.

And that's what makes this the For years, honor flight of Kentucky has recognized the service veterans and Kentucky have given to their country by taking them on a daylong adventure to Washington, D.C., the Summer Honor flight organized a trip for a group of Kentucky veterans often overlooked visiting the monuments and memorials built to honor those who sacrificed so much for their fellow countrymen.

This flight was a special day for these women who served.

>> 6/11/2022 134 women veterans from around Kentucky gathered for breakfast at Blue Grass Airport.

The beginning of the first all female veterans trip organized by honor Flight Kentucky.

>> Honor flights mission is to fly veterans from World War 2, the Korean War and the Vietnam War to DC for a one-day all expenses paid trip to visit the memorials dedicated to their service.

We decided we needed an all female fight because first of all, it never been done before in Kentucky, but women deserved that special event to bond with each other.

And this multi generational.

I tripped to honor their service.

>> I said of the table and there were 8 of us different services all around and there was 130 years combined service to the military, the Army, Navy Air Force Marines in 8 people, which was pretty headed to the plane.

>> These different generations and complex.

We're greeted by members of Rolling Thunder, longtime supporters of on the flight.

>> They held an American flag high overhead as a sendoff with these women.

>> Touching the flag and musically feel that tradition in your heart and the new worries.

Come back to why we're here where it was.

Our rationale for joining the military to support serve our country no matter what.

>> Smiles and joy turned to somber moment for veterans like Ashley Hawkins, a parent and I right.

>> Hawkins earned the Bronze Star with valor and what would become known as the Palm Sunday ambush when her nine-member unit was called on to hold off 50 insurgents attacking an American convoy.

As the White left the terminal.

>> It received a water cannon salute and the voices of these 134 veterans l. ♪ Patriotic singing continue as the group was greeted at Reagan Airport.

>> By the West Point lead.

>> The first stop for these veterans was the women's memorial for military service dedicated at Arlington Cemetery in 1997.

Each would receive a plaque inducting them into the museum.

>> So we injected every single one of them into the women's memorial for military service in Arlington.

One of the memorials that is dedicated solely to the mail service.

I think that was very special for them.

>> Following launch was a solemn moment for all veterans.

>> As it does with all of that.

The changing of the guard.

>> At soaked.

>> This special honor by visit the World War 2 memorial.

And then it was on to the Lincoln Memorial.

While appreciating all the hours actually brought the men and her organization of volunteers have put into their trip.

>> Everyone was overwhelmed.

How every stop there were groups reading and honoring these women.

>> Channing Frye.

>> Because it's so truly emotional to see the people that care so much to be right there in front of you all the other veterans staying in supporting you.

>> Flanking the famed reflecting pool extending before Abraham Lincoln.

Our memorials to those who served in Korea and Vietnam.

Many on this honor flight.

Remember what their servicemen to them.

And 2 others.

>> I always look back on my service and look at all the amazing things I got to do.

You know, I got to build schools for girls that got to enjoy those schools for 20 years.

>> And what I hope to believes that those girls in Afghanistan, there's 20 years of education for those women right there.

>> Perhaps the most moving moment of the day was a wreath laying ceremony at the statue dedicated to the nurses who served in Vietnam.

The names of 8 nurses are etched.

>> For ever on the wall.

>> Frankie's the last Nick of Lexington was a nurse in Vietnam who found herself caught.

>> Falling under enemy fire across our medical compound to get to the wounded soldiers needing her help.

Along with fellow Kentuckians Marge Graves and Kathy Graham back.

They remember the legacy of the women who put >> their lives in harm's way.

>> All my Vietnam.

>> a out all the man who took care of.

It didn't make it.

Hit me until I asked.

Hey, they're holding up together.

>> I think we're the only to hear that is from the from our unit for me to get to be a part of that.

What's Take 3 to the Vietnam Memorial.

And being able kind of sharing her memories, too.

It's nice to be able to be a part of that.

>> This honor flight had one last stop.

The Marine memorial of the woods yet where they were greeted by a 21 gun >> It was a moment that connected each veteran with all the women who had one of our country's uniform.

>> It's been the most amazing well planned, thoughtful day ever.

I spent most of my military career alone and I've been able to spend it amongst all these amazing women with their own amazing stories just.

It's been overwhelming.

He.

>> Back on the plate.

Our trip, this all.

♪ >> Far from it.

They found the bill.

>> In it was it's sealed the deal for the day in letting them know they are appreciated and can >> I like to think that in America.

We like to think it is, which is great.

This is Mookie.

>> I will be in America right now.

♪ >> It kind of puts in perspective.

I like to think that there are enough people out here who want change one good looking better future for all of us.

Yeah, I think any American >> diversity.

All counties in every color >> And its plans.

>> The connection of all spiritually.

I hear Mary King.

We'll get it together as one to help support and love that.

>> And being from that same.

I've got a lot of training the almost every culture I'm in the world.

And it was so beautiful because we didn't have to think about it.

It does sixes.

to to exist.

>> I still think it's the greatest country in the world.

I know we're a work in progress.

I think we're getting better and better all the time.

We do step backwards.

Sometimes from the same time my neighborhood has a lot of immigrants in it so many of them they're they're goal is to become an American citizen and they go through the whole process of becoming American citizen.

And I've seen a couple of days afterwards and it couldn't be prouder due to come from someplace come to this country.

And it's a lot of folks may not know.

Bowling Green has a lot of immigrants.

And so you see that diversity and you to see the melting pot and how wonderful it is in this country.

And these people wanting to become Americans.

>> This day holds special significance for those who have come to this country seeking freedom and opportunity since 1981, the International Centre of Kentucky has helped resettle more than 10,000 refugees.

They include men, women and children who have risked everything to build a better life in America.

A special celebration was held in a bowling Green Park this June to recognize World Refugee Day.

♪ >> Today we're celebrating the Kerry and the challenges of all of our refugees in the bowling green area.

>> All right.

Knee.

>> the public on this show.

He is.

He.

>> A lifelong is very nice.

>> We are representing our me we've been doing this traditional dance for a long time.

>> They want to move too long to Kentucky because like they want a new life.

>> My family and Afghanistan.

It wasn't a good bet.

Now over there and my mom, I got home the Do you do Nothing new for you.

What that situation is getting better.

There.

I love them.

And that's what I'm saying.

>> Because when I was from I don't know.

I got a lot >> the international center.

We resettle in several different ways all the way from the moment that someone arrives in the airport until they are ready to go to school, go to work.

We have this in all of the things that they may need in between those times.

>> We assist with finding housing with providing food, helping them to find access to resources in the community that they live.

>> Getting children enrolled in school preparing for jobs and then ultimately helping them to be self-sufficient, not meeting our center for their entire lives.

♪ >> international center first when the bonding means a lot to help and lots of food.

Everything for me.

>> We all kind of gun it.

If you get people in the law meeting to how foggy, what a ride back to the >> this is lot.

But this one is all it's >> During World Refugee Day celebration, we have all kinds of sponsors that are set up to provide information about the services and the products that may have to offer to our clients.

We also have performances happening behind me.

We have all kinds of cultural foods available as well as American Foods.

We have so many sponsors, restaurants that contributed to that.

We're so thankful ♪ ♪ >> and the last year, our role as a U.S. made it to be and again and then I take my home now kind looking for me now with T. That breaking up against.

I've got this time.

>> Because it is >> I'm Eric on the ball and I'm gonna time all that coming out.

And also if I'm in it and also all alive.

>> We have refugees from all over the world.

And any time you add those differences, those cultural enrichment pieces to a community to an organization, even you are adding to the flavor of that.

So we don't just have Americans anymore.

We're representing the globe and that's so important for jobs that so important for our economy and ultimately helps us to continue to be able to grow as a community.

>> As you have same throughout the program, we asked people what it means to be an American.

Here are some of the online responses we received.

>> Speaking acting and voting in a way that protects the civil liberties of all your fellow citizens.

Recognizing the diversity of our country, adding the desire to learn from all the different fabrics of this diversity appreciating the different cultures and grow.

Liberty for all.

Saying the fall of democracy and the erosion of civil liberties happening in real time.

>> Big committed to a peaceful transfer of power won an election.

Doesn't go your way.

Big tolerant.

We forgotten that.

Exercising your right to freedoms afforded to you, but also honoring your responsibility to them.

Always trying to do better.

No matter how messed up it gets and honoring the fallen so we can have that chance.

♪ >> Well, we hope you've enjoyed this Independence Day.

Thank you for spending your time with us.

We hope to see you again ♪