BVA National President Wade Davis ventured to the Nation’s Capital on November 10 to represent blind and low vision veterans throughout the country in a series of events on Veterans Day that occurred at both Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall and Arlington National Cemetery (ANC). Among such highlights was BVA’s participation in the traditional flag processional and a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) wreath laying at the Cemetery in wind chill temperatures below the freezing mark.
With the BVA and U.S. flags firmly in waist-high harnesses, Mid-Atlantic Regional Group members Yoneka Trent and Bill Barnes marched in the ceremonial Parade of Colors with the assistance of their sighted guides, respectively guide dog Kellnis and Bill’s wife, Monica. Yoneka and Kellnis were the first veteran-guide dog duo ever to participate in this annual procession without the help of a second human guide. Kellnis also assisted with the VSO wreath presentation.
Accompanied by representatives of approximately 45 other organizations, Wade, Yoneka, and Interim National Executive Director Lea Rowe presented the BVA wreath at the Cemetery’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The symbolic gesture paid tribute to all veterans and served as the needed exclamation point to the end of a frigid but memorable autumn morning.
The laying of the organizational wreath followed the traditional Presidential wreath laying that occurred precisely at 11:00am on the 11th day of the 11th month, witnessed by Wade and Lea and performed on this occasion by President Donald J. Trump, who then joined Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) Douglas A. Collins, and AMVETS National Commander Paul Shipley in addressing veterans and a crowd of approximately 3,500 in the adjacent Memorial Amphitheater. Numerous Cabinet Secretaries were also present and seated in box seats at the event.
Shipley’s address occurred by virtue of AMVETS position as the 2025 host organization among members of the Veterans Day National Committee. Wade Davis took his appropriate place on the same stage with the four speakers and the national officers of the organizations designated as original members of the Committee dating back to the 1950s.
The 72nd National Veterans Day Observance also featured music by the United States Army Band and Chorus, directed by Colonel Bruce Pulver, and welcoming remarks by Master of Ceremonies Matthew Webb, VA Senior Outreach Officer.
Several hours before their ANC arrival, at approximately 6:30am, Wade and Lea had reported to Patton Hall at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall for a VA-hosted breakfast for the VSOs. An AMVETS-hosted reception at the Military Women’s Memorial, located at the ANC entrance, followed the ceremony and wreath laying.
Key to the success (and perhaps survival) of the BVA contingent was the always prepared but often behind-the-scenes Michaun Harrison, BVA’s National Administrative Coordinator. Among her many heroic deeds were prepping the flag bearers with instructions and guidance, furnishing extra handwarmers and gloves, and directing other staff members to their seats.
