The title Kentucky Colonel originated in 1813. The Kentucky Militia had just returned from a highly successful War of 1812 campaign that resulted in control of the Northwest being returned to the United States. When the militia dispersed, Governor Isaac Shelby asked Charles S. Todd, one of his officers in the campaign, to remain in the capitol and serve as an aide-de-camp on the Governor’s Staff. Todd was given the rank and grade of Colonel. Early Colonels, such as Colonel Todd, actually served military roles. But, as times changed throughout the 1800’s, the title became more of an honorary one. In the closing years of the century, Colonels in uniform would stand as symbolic guards at state events and social functions were held for them at the Governor’s mansion. In the late 1920’s, a group of Colonels started talking about forming a formal "society". Governor Flem Sampson gave his blessings to the project and late one Saturday afternoon in May of 1931, the first meeting of what would eventually become the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels was held in Frankfort, Kentucky. "Formulate a society to more closely band together this group into a great non-political brotherhood for the advancement of Kentucky and Kentuckians," Governor Sampson challenged the organizers. And they did. Minutes of the early meetings confirm that charitable programs were to be a central part of the organization. That mission continues to this day; the Honorable Order has distributed over 5000 grants to charitable and educational agencies in the past half century and has contributed to disaster relief, veteran care and helping the homeless. It is truly a fine organization. (Text adapted from the website of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels).
His Excellency, The President is very proud to be a member of this great association, and to be one of Kentucky's ambassadors of good will and fellowship around the world. The President stated that becoming a Kentucky Colonel has always been a dream of his, and that he feels a deep sense of pride in this honor.
Learn more about the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels here.
Kentucky Colonel Certificate
His Excellency Sporting His New Kentucky Colonel String Tie.