Last week’s BVA Happenings made mention of the Association’s participation, by invitation to the National Headquarters, in the annual Memorial Day National Observance at Arlington National Cemetery (ANC). National President Paul Mimms and National Executive Director Dr. Vernon Humphrey traveled to the Nation’s Capital to participate in the Veterans Service Organization wreath laying following the ceremony, which also featured BVA’s participation in a Parade of Flags. 

Not receiving enough attention in last week’s blurb was the support of two stalwart BVA members from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Group who have both represented BVA at ANC events several times on both Memorial Day and Veterans Day. In doing so, the two with identical surnames but not related have sacrificed family barbecues, veteran-related events in their own communities, and opportunities to simply relax on the two holidays over the years. 

This year, National Administrative Coordinator Michaun Harrison carried the U.S. flag during the ceremony and helped present the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. She did the same throughout 2016-19. Lawrence Harrison, a Washington, DC resident, carried the BVA flag and helped lay the wreath. Lawrence began participating on Veterans Day 2022 in pouring rain at the first ANC event after the worldwide pandemic and has not missed a Veterans Day or Memorial Day since—six in total. 

BVA National Headquarters salutes and extends kudos to Michaun Harrison and Lawrence Harrison for their dignified and dedicated service, professionalism, and willingness to represent the organization at these solemn events.