Fort Knox and the Kentucky Department of Veteran Affairs will host a Memorial Day ceremony at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery -- Central in Radcliff May 27 beginning at 11:30 a.m. On the same day, the installation will have its annual cemetery visitation.
The ceremony, which is open to the general public, will include remarks by Maj. Gen. Frank Muth, commander of U.S. Army Recruiting Command. Muth will participate in a ceremonial wreath laying at the ceremony -- a tradition that honors all U.S. service members who lost their lives in defense of the United States.
The ceremony will also feature patriotic music from the Ladies of Liberty, a 21-round cannon salute, presentation of the Prisoners of War/Missing in Action table, a flag folding and the playing of taps.
Memorial Day also marks the day when the 121 cemeteries on Fort Knox will open to the families and friends of those buried on post. Access to the cemeteries will be made available from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Fort Knox Range Operations and Cultural Resources staff will be posted at six checkpoints around the installation to help those seeking specific gravesites.
Those needing to locate checkpoints may call (502) 624-2125 or visit the Fort Knox Visitor Center at the Chaffee (main) Gate for assistance.
Several of the cemeteries have ties to former area towns, such as Stithton, Grahamton, and Pitts Point, as well as rural church cemeteries and family graveyards. Additionally, some relatives of President Abraham Lincoln are buried on Fort Knox to include his grandmother, Bathsheba (Bersheba) Lincoln.
Visitors who already possess a Fort Knox Automated Installation Entry pass will be able to use it at any checkpoint to expedite entry. Those who do not have an AIE pass will need to acquire one in advance at the Fort Knox Visitor Center to reduce wait times.
For more information on installation entry requirements, visit the Fort Knox Garrison link below.
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