The Mid-Atlantic Regional Group
Blinded Veterans Association
Legislative News
111th CONGRESS
2nd Session
H. RES.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Ms. Halvorson submitted the following resolution, which was referred to the Committee on Veterans Affairs
RESOLUTION
Expressing special congratulations and recognition for the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) on its 65th anniversary of representing blinded veterans and their families since March 28, 1945, when 100 World War II blinded service members at Avon “Old Farms” Army Convalescent Hospital in Connecticut, at 8:45 a.m., formed the Blinded Veterans Association, and
Whereas, these individual blinded veterans were a fascinating cross-section of heroes and pioneers who not only shaped the rich history, philosophy, knowledge, and skills of education and rehabilitation of the blind, and who also gave us insight into current and future challenges, who shared their personal lives and showed us strategies to ensure that services for all blinded persons remain unique and specialized, and
Whereas, on March 28, 2010, the Blinded Veterans Association will mark an important anniversary of dedication to blinded service members, veterans, and their families for 65 years, the United States Congress expresses its grateful appreciation for such efforts in improving the rehabilitation services, education, and benefits for our nation’s blinded veterans during more than six decades of service, and
Whereas, General Omar Bradley Administrator for, the Veterans Administration VA in 1946, appointed BVA as the first official representative for blinded veterans for the filing of claims and appeals to VA, making it only the eighth veterans service organization to receive such authorization, and
Whereas, the Blinded Veterans Association was originally incorporated in New York State as a nonprofit association, then moved to Washington, DC in 1947, and
Whereas, the 58th Congress approved the Congressional Charter for recognizing BVA in 1958, and
Whereas, from its early beginnings, BVA encouraged the blinded veterans it served “to take their rightful place in the community with their fellow men and work with them toward the creation of a peaceful world” and have continued to advocate for the war blinded to regain independence, confidence, and self-esteem through rehabilitation training,
Therefore, Be It Resolved, That the House of Representatives recognizes the and honors the Blinded Veterans Association BVA to observe a day in their honor with appropriate ceremonies, programs, and activities for 65 years of service dedicated to the restoration of independence of those blinded veterans.
End of Document