[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.J. Res. 80 Introduced in House (IH)]

111th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. J. RES. 80

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


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             March 4, 2010

Mrs. Halvorson (for herself, Ms. Corrine Brown of Florida, Ms. Norton, 
    Mr. Gene Green of Texas, Mr. Moore of Kansas, Mr. Hinchey, Mr. 
   Courtney, Mr. Murphy of Connecticut, Mr. Grijalva, and Mr. Walz) 
 introduced the following joint resolution; which was referred to the 
                     Committee on Veterans' Affairs

_______________________________________________________________________

                            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.
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