In the quiet town of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, a once-overlooked veterans’ memorial has undergone a powerful transformation. Thanks to the vision of lighting designer Jimmy Kidd and his team at JSE, a dim, rarely visited space is now a glowing tribute to sacrifice, service, and community. The project — which recently earned a national award for lighting excellence — offers valuable insights for design professionals and municipalities looking to breathe new life into public memorials and civic spaces.
The Problem: A Space Forgotten
The Elizabethtown Veterans Tribute stood solemnly in Freeman Lake Park, but for years it lacked the visibility and emotional gravity it deserved. The stone walls etched with veterans’ names faded into darkness at night, making the space feel deserted rather than sacred. Without proper lighting, its powerful message was lost after sunset, precisely when many visitors sought a moment of quiet reflection.
Jimmy Kidd’s Vision: Illuminate with Intention
Jimmy Kidd didn’t approach the project as just another outdoor lighting job. His philosophy was simple: every light should tell a story. Working with local officials, Kidd prioritized three key goals:
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Enhance visibility without overpowering the space
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Create emotional resonance through shadow and light
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Use lighting to guide visitors on a reflective journey
He and his team selected narrow-beam LED fixtures that subtly highlighted key structural elements — the archways, the engraved names, and the surrounding trees — without disrupting the solemnity of the memorial. Integrated pathway lighting invited visitors inward, while soft uplighting created a sense of presence without distraction.
The Result: A Space Reborn
After the installation, the shift was immediate. Community members who hadn’t visited in years returned, often drawn by the inviting glow at night. Veterans and their families linger longer, and local organizations have again begun hosting ceremonies in the space. By designing purposefully, Kidd didn’t just light up a memorial — he reignited a community connection.
The IES Illumination Award of Merit recognized the project, validating the power of thoughtful, narrative-driven lighting.
Takeaways for Lighting Designers
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Start with the story
Before placing a single fixture, ask: What emotion should this space evoke? Light is a language — use it to speak to the heart. -
Less is more
Over-lighting can dilute the impact. Strategic placement and colour temperature matter more than brightness alone. -
Use light to guide
Think of the visitor’s experience. Where do you want them to pause? What should they see first? Design like a storyteller. -
Work with community leaders
Kidd collaborated closely with city planners, ensuring the design served real community needs, not just aesthetics.
Tips for Municipalities
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Audit your memorials and parks after dark
Many spaces serve only daytime visitors. Nighttime lighting can double engagement and emotional impact. -
Partner with local designers and veterans’ groups
Community input ensures authenticity and support. Collaborate early to align vision and budget. -
Apply for grants and awards
Programs like the IES awards or state arts funding can help offset costs while bringing attention to your city.
Final Thoughts: Design as Tribute
Jimmy Kidd’s work in Elizabethtown is more than a lighting success story — it’s a reminder that great design begins with empathy. When we design purposefully, we do more than enhance a space — we honour those who’ve shaped our communities.
Whether you’re a lighting professional or a municipal leader, this project proves that light can heal, guide, and inspire with intention and collaboration.