Rogers honored for service at annual Lincoln Day Banquet

Republicans from all across Kentucky turned out at the Corbin Civic Center Saturday evening to honor U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers, the longest serving Kentucky Republican ever elected to federal office.
“Somebody said one time that a leader without followers is just a guy taking a stroll. You have been great leaders and great followers. The things that we have accomplished together in our region were accomplished really by you,” Rogers told the crowd of several hundred people gathered for the 68th Annual Fifth District Lincoln Banquet Saturday.
During the banquet, Lincoln Club officials showed a video highlighting Rogers 25 years in Congress, and programs he helped found, such as Pride, Operation Unite, as well as work he has done to help bring flood control projects and jobs to southeastern Kentucky.
“It was your ideas. It was your elbow grease that made them happen. It was your constant prodding and urging, and encouraging me and others to take on these progressive steps,” said Rogers. “You and I over these 25 years, we have really shared a lot of hard work together. You have been so helpful to me over these years. I can never repay you for your friendship, and your support, and your encouragement all the way along.”
During the banquet, Lincoln Club officials surprised Rogers by inducting him into the Fifth District Lincoln Club Hall of Fame, and making him the only inductee into the hall this year.
“I am honored beyond words,” Rogers said. “One of my favorite things I do all year long is at this banquet inducting five or six distinguished Republicans into the Hall of Fame. I never dreamed you would induct me, and I would be the only one. You honor me beyond my ability to thank you for it.”
The Fifth District Lincoln Club was established in 1938, and is the oldest Lincoln Club in Kentucky.
The Fifth District Republican Hall of Fame honors people for their outstanding service and leadership to the Republican Party, and now has 126 members with Rogers induction Saturday.
“I never thought 25 years ago that it would come to this,” Rogers admitted. “Time flies when you are having fun. It seems like only yesterday that we were embarking on that campaign at the same time that then Gov. Ronald Reagan was launching his bid for the White House. Thank you for this wonderful tribute.”
During the banquet, officials presented Rogers with a plaque of appreciation for his years of service, and Senate President David Williams presented Rogers with a resolution read in the Kentucky Senate that praises Rogers for his work to improve education, and create more jobs for the people of his district.
Several state and local dignitaries were on hand for Saturday’s banquet.
“The good that have assembled here this evening with a unified concept and a oneness of purpose have gathered this evening to celebrate Abraham Lincoln, but also to pay honor to one our favorite congressman, Congressman Hal Rogers,” said Gov. Ernie Fletcher’s Chief of Staff Stan Cave, who spoke on behalf of the governor, who is still recovering from a lengthy illness.
During the banquet, Cave read a letter from Fletcher thanking Rogers on his years of service.
“Dear Congressman Rogers, as you mark 25 years of service to the citizens of our commonwealth, I would like to take this opportunity to offer our congratulations, and sincere appreciation for your tenure in the United States House of Representatives,” Fletcher’s letter started.
“During your tenure in congress, you have made many critical decisions that greatly impacted the people of Kentucky. Your dedication to our state and its people have been evidenced by the work you do while in Washington. We are grateful for that commitment, and know that without your leadership, Kentucky might not have received many of the programs and other benefits that have helped our people in so many ways.”
U.S. Senator Jim Bunning pointed out that Rogers’ public service goes back much further than his 25 years in congress including the 11 years he spent as a commonwealth’s attorney.
“Hal has been serving in public office longer than I have been alive,” Bunning joked. “I looked at the screen tonight, and saw your hair before it was silver. I want to know if that silver hair was like Colonel Sanders was, or if you did something to it to make it silver?”
“I got elected to congress,” Rogers replied.
On a serious noted, Bunning added that he couldn’t think of a better person for the job than what Rogers has done for his district over the last 25 years.
U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell added that it is not just how long you serve, but how well you serve.
“I can think of some people that hung around a little bit past their prime. It is not just longevity that we are here to recognize and celebrate tonight. It is also extraordinary effectiveness,” McConnell added.