[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 45 (Tuesday, March 23, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E458-E459]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE 65TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BLINDED VETERANS ASSOCIATION

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 22, 2010

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize and honor the 
Blinded Veterans Association on its 65th anniversary of representing 
blinded veterans and their families.
  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. 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. 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.

[[Page E459]]

  The Blinded Veterans Association was originally incorporated in New 
York State as a nonprofit association, and then moved to Washington, 
DC, in 1947. In 1958, the 58th Congress approved the Congressional 
Charter for the Blinded Veterans Association. 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 many people of the United States recognize March 28 of 
each year as Blinded Veterans Day.
  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. I urge all members of the House of 
Representatives, and Americans around the country, to join me in 
honoring these American heroes.

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