Service of country, state, and city.
According to family and colleagues, three jobs done well by Governor Joe Kernan.
Kernan served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War and was a prisoner of war for nearly 11 months.
After returning to South Bend, Kernan was elected mayor three times, becoming the longest serving mayor of the city.
In 1996 he became Frank O'Bannon's lieutenant governor until O'Bannon died in 2003, then Kernan assumed office as the 48th Governor of Indiana.
Kernan died last July following a long illness.
His time and dedication to public service were honored at the Indiana Statehouse as a bust was revealed in his honor.
A tribute for a leader who, Governor Eric Holcomb says, was strong, but kind.
Something he said, and you've probably seen or heard this... he said, 'call me Joe.' And he just instantly and easily connected," said Gov. Eric Holcomb, (R) Indiana.
Speakers emphasized he was not only raised in St. Joseph County but thrived by being active in the community
Some nodded to the St. Patrick’s holiday and the Notre Dame spirit in him and his family, with the Notre Dame fight song played on the bagpipes.
Wife and former First Lady Maggie Kernan acknowledged it was not always an easy path to do what Joe Kernan did, but that his efforts being honored by old friends and even running mates is both humbling and nostalgic.
"Overwhelming... brings back a lot of memories... good ones," said Maggie Kernan, former First Lady.
And as a physical reminder of his work is placed at the state's capitol, she says the best way to lead like Governor Kernan is simple.
"I suppose I'd say do the right thing and do it with a sense of humor," said Maggie Kernan.
His bust will now sit in the rotunda of the Statehouse.
-----Original Story-----
At the Indiana Statehouse, there was an event honoring St. Joseph County native, long-time South Bend Mayor and former Lieutenant Governor and Governor of Indiana, Joe Kernan.
A ceremony revealed a bust of the late Governor.
A handful of speakers were there this morning remembering Kernan.
Starting with current Governor Eric Holcomb, who spoke to Governor Kernan's service during the Vietnam War and nearly 11 months as a prisoner of war.
Kernan returned to South Bend and was elected mayor three times, becoming the longest serving mayor of the city.
In 1996 he became Frank O'Bannon's lieutenant governor until O'Bannon died in 2003. Kernan assumed office as the 48th Governor of Indiana.
Kernan died last July following a long illness.
His bust was unveiled and will now sit in the rotunda of the State House.
Governor Holcomb says Kernan was not only a strong leader, but a humble one.
"Oh, it's a wonderful day, it's a wonderful day. It's a beautiful rendition of Joe and to have his family here and so many friends is an honor and it's so special,” said Maggie Kernan, Widow of Joe Kernan.
Holcomb even ended his speech with a "Go Irish" as many other speakers noted the fact that this honor happening on St. Patrick's Day was no mistake.