David Grabovac Receives Prestigious Kentucky Colonel Award
- by croatiaweek
- in Latest
Croatian citizen Dr. David Grabovac has been named a Kentucky Colonel by Governor of Kentucky Steve Beshear for his contributions to the community and education. Dr. Grabovac has worked to develop scholarship programs for youth and military personnel who have demonstrated leadership abilities…
A Kentucky Colonel is an honorary title bestowed upon individuals by the Governor of Kentucky in the United States. The title was instituted in 1812 by Kentucky State’s first Governor Isaac Shelby. The letters patent certificate commissioning a Kentucky Colonel is signed by the Governor and the Secretary of State and bears the Seal of Kentucky.
According to Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes, the Kentucky Colonel Award is the highest honor awarded by the State of Kentucky to individuals for noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding service to a community, state, or the nation. Governor Beshear has also described Colonels as Kentucky’s ambassadors of good will and fellowship around the world. While Colonels once served in a military role, today’s colonels are considered honorary “Aides-de-Camp” on the Governor’s staff.
Among the ranks of the Kentucky Colonels are distinguished leaders such as Presidents Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, and George Bush; Pope John Paul II and English Prime Minister Winston Churchill; Colonel Sanders (founder of KFC), Elvis Presley, and astronaut John Glenn. Recipients have also included firemen, volunteers, and teachers who have performed in an extraordinary manner.
Dr. Grabovac will use the award and title to further his work in education, expanding the reach of the scholarship programs he has initiated. Dr. Grabovac has extended his thanks to Governor Beshear and Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes for this honor.
Dr. Grabovac also wrote Croatia & Its People, which discusses Croatian history and development. At the time, in 2001, he was recognized by the National and University Library in Zagreb as the youngest author in Croatian history.
