Treasured Tradition of Honoring Veterans

Every year on November 11, we honor all those who have served or are serving our country. Veterans Day often means different things to different people.

For Lee Lorimor, a plant maintenance mechanic at Louisville Water, he’s reminded that “A lot of the things that we enjoy here are not just given to us. We had to earn it.”

Lorimor was among the group of Louisville Water veterans who attended the 21^st Annual Veterans Recognition Breakfast, a collaborative event between Louisville MSD and Louisville Water. It’s a celebration of our employee veterans who continue to serve our community.

Mayor Craig Greenberg expressed his gratitude for their efforts to provide clean drinking water, clean waterways, and protecting our neighbors from floodwaters.

“The work that you do at Louisville Water and MSD is so greatly important. It is truly what keeps our city going. Most people don’t think about it every day,” Greenberg said.

Lorimor joined the U.S. Army fresh out of high school.

“I was 17 years old. My dad had to sign a paper because I wasn’t 18 yet. I’m a fourth generation military (member). My great-grandfather, my grandfather, my dad, and me were all in the Army. So, it’s a little bit of a tradition thing there,” he shared.

Family is important to Lorimor. Being able to celebrate with his work family and fellow veterans at the breakfast is a special tradition he’s carried on for many years.

“I think it’s great that the companies respect and honor us in a way that showcases veterans. I don’t come for myself. I like to see all the other people. They always have great speakers that have a lot of good insight. Hopefully, they continue it for years to come,” he said.

“Any time that you can honor public servants, it’s a win, but it makes it more special when they’re veterans,’ said One Water Project Director Shannon Tivitt, who served on the planning committee for her fifth year.

Nearly 100 employees between the two organizations were honored during the program which included a moving presentation of colors by the Louisville MSD Color Guard. Each veteran received a certificate and token of appreciation.

Veterans from Louisville Water and Louisville MSD also participated in the city’s Veterans Parade on Saturday.

“We are extremely proud to help support these events and show our appreciation to our veterans who continue to serve our community by providing either high-quality drinking water or wastewater services,” said Louisville Water President & CEO Spencer Bruce.