The highest honor awarded by the Commonwealth of Kentucky is the Kentucky Colonel.

The Colonels are Kentucky's ambassadors of goodwill and fellowship around the world. Commissions for Kentucky Colonels are awarded by the Governor and the Secretary of State to individuals in recognition of their noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding service to a community, state or the nation.

A list of Kentucky Colonels is a Who's Who of outstanding men and women around the world. The certificate, signed by the Governor and the Secretary of State and bearing the Great Seal of Kentucky, has hung on the walls of such distinguished leaders as President Lyndon B. Johnson and English Prime Minister Winston Churchill. America's first man in space, John Glenn, was commissioned while orbiting earth on his historic mission.

This tradition began in 1813 during the second term of Governor Isaac Shelby, when he bestowed the title of Colonel to his son-in-law, Charles S. Todd, a member of his staff. Shelby later issued commissions to all who enlisted in his regiment in the War of 1812. Later, Governors commissioned colonels to act as their protective guard; they wore uniforms and were present at most official functions. (Today's colonels are not required to perform such service.) Other Governors continued this practice and by 1932 their numbers had grown considerably.

In 1932, under the direction of then Governor Ruby Laffoon, "Honorable Order" was added to the name to reflect the honorary status of its members. The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels incorporated as a charitable organization and by-laws were written to designate the organization as non-partisan, non-profit and dedicated to good works within the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Over the years, the Colonels have contributed thousands of dollars to worthy causes. In 1995, the Good Works Program Fund made grants totaling $1,151,000 to 159 charitable and educational organizations. It marked the sixth consecutive year grants of at least one million dollars had been made.

The Governor and the Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky serve as the Commander-in-Chief and Deputy Commander-in-Chief respectively to the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels. All officers serve with no remuneration.

For More information, please contact the Governor's Office at 502-564-2611 or the Secretary of State's Office at 502-564-3490.