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A RESOLUTION recognizing and honoring the children of military families on 1
Military Kids Day, February 19, 2026. 2
WHEREAS, Military Kids Day is an annual recognition and celebration of the 3
children of military families at the Capitol. This February 19th marks the ninth 4
anniversary of the event since its inception by Senator Jimmy Higdon on February 24, 5
2017; and 6
WHEREAS, Senator Jimmy Higdon, a former chair of the Vet erans, Military 7
Affairs, and Public Protection Committee, was approached by Molly Mattingly of 8
Bardstown, Kentucky, whose husband, Colonel Steve Mattingly, served in the 138th 9
Field Artillery unit of the Kentucky National Guard. She said it would be a good idea to 10
honor military kids for the sacrifices they make. Senator Jimmy Higdon took that 11
suggestion to heart and created a day of recognition to honor children of military families 12
at the Capitol as a way of highlighting the unique position children of mi litary families 13
have while navigating day-to-day life; and 14
WHEREAS, Military Kids Day is a day that brings together military families from 15
across the Commonwealth for a day of educational activities, recognition, and 16
engagement with state leaders. This eve nt honors the children and grandchildren of those 17
who serve and have served in the Armed Forces of the United States, offering them a 18
unique opportunity to explore Kentucky's Capitol, connect with legislators, and learn 19
about military and civic service; and 20
WHEREAS, Donna Holiday, Clerk of the Senate, says, "this program not only 21
involves students, but engages their families. School districts, including Fort Knox 22
Schools, have incorporated participation into their fourth -grade curriculum as part of 23
students' study of Kentucky and its government. This program is having a huge positive 24
impact, and that's a legacy worth celebrating"; and 25
WHEREAS, Senator Jimmy Higdon puts his heart and soul into the event, which 26
has grown from 20 -40 attendees in 2017 to approxi mately 250 participants in 2025. 27
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Without his leadership, this program would not have grown to receive national 1
recognition and serve as a model for improving civic engagement in other states; and 2
WHEREAS, Major General Hal Lamberton, the Adjutant General o f Kentucky, 3
states, "We are deeply grateful for Senator Higdon's leadership and commitment to 4
military families. His vision has created a meaningful opportunity for children across 5
Kentucky to connect, learn, and be celebrated"; and 6
WHEREAS, although 2026 marks the final year of service in the Senate for Senator 7
Jimmy Higdon and therefore his final year leading the event, his legacy will live on for 8
years to come in the hearts and minds of military kids across the Commonwealth; 9
NOW, THEREFORE, 10
Be it resolved by the Senate of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of 11
Kentucky: 12
Section 1. The Senate recognizes and honors the children of military families 13
on this Military Kids Day, February 19, 2026. 14
Section 2. When the Senate adjourns this day, it does so in recognition of 15
Senator Jimmy Higdon and his dedication to military families and the creation of Military 16
Kids Day. 17
Section 3. The Clerk of the Senate is directed to transmit a copy of this 18
Resolution to Senator Matthew Deneen. 19