    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Public Law 111-156
    111th Congress

    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,

    [[Page 1115]]

    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.

    Approved April 7, 2010.

    LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--H.J. Res. 80:
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 156 (2010):
    Mar. 22, 23, considered and passed House.
    Mar. 26, considered and passed Senate.