[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.J. Res. 80 Enrolled Bill (ENR)]

        H.J.Res.80

                      One Hundred Eleventh Congress

                                 of the

                        United States of America


                          AT THE SECOND SESSION

          Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday,
             the fifth day of January, two thousand and ten


                            Joint Resolution


 
 Recognizing and honoring the Blinded Veterans Association on its 65th 
    anniversary of representing blinded veterans and their families.

Whereas, at 8:45 a.m. on March 28, 1945, 100 blinded members of the 
  Armed Forces who served in World War II formed the Blinded Veterans 
  Association at Avon ``Old Farms'' Army Convalescent Hospital in 
  Connecticut;

Whereas the founders of the Blinded Veterans Association were a cross-
  section of heroes and pioneers who not only shaped the rich history, 
  philosophy, and knowledge of education and rehabilitation of the 
  blind, but also provided insight into current and future challenges 
  facing the blind and engaged in continual advocacy efforts to ensure 
  that services for all blinded persons would be unique and 
  specialized;

Whereas, on March 28, 2010, the Blinded Veterans Association will mark 
  its 65th anniversary of dedication to blinded members of the Armed 
  Forces, veterans, and their families;

Whereas in 1946, General Omar Bradley, of the Veterans Administration, 
  appointed the Blinded Veterans Association as the first official 
  representative for blinded veterans for the filing of claims and 
  appeals to the Veterans Administration, making the Blinded Veterans 
  Association only the eighth veterans service organization to receive 
  such authorization;

Whereas the Blinded Veterans Association was originally incorporated in 
  New York State as a nonprofit association, and then moved to 
  Washington, DC, in 1947;

Whereas in 1958, the 58th Congress approved the Congressional Charter 
  for the Blinded Veterans Association;

Whereas from its early beginnings, the Blinded Veterans Association 
  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 it has continued to 
  advocate for the war-blinded to regain independence, confidence, and 
  self-esteem through rehabilitation and training; and

Whereas many people of the United States recognize March 28 of each 
  year as Blinded Veterans Day: Now, therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled, That Congress--
        (1) expresses appreciation for the efforts of the Blinded 
    Veterans Association in improving the rehabilitation services, 
    education, and benefits for blinded veterans of the United States;
        (2) supports the goals and ideals of Blinded Veterans Day; and
        (3) calls upon the people of the United States to observe 
    Blinded Veterans Day with appropriate programs and activities.

                               Speaker of the House of Representatives.

                            Vice President of the United States and    
                                               President of the Senate.