On behalf of the National Board of Directors and National Headquarters staff, BVA Happenings wishes all Association members and their families an uplifting and enjoyable Veterans Day. Despite the current federal government shutdown, still unresolved as our weekly newsletter is being transmitted, the Veterans Day National Committee of which BVA is a member will proceed with the planned activities for the annual ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) and other related events this Tuesday.

Although the Veterans Service Organization (VSO) breakfast is a hallmark of the day in the Nation’s Capital, the event this year will be held away from the White House due to the renovations in progress at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Subsequent activities will move forward as always with a traditional Presidential wreath laying, a Parade of Colors featuring VSO flag bearers, formal addresses

from dignitaries, and a VSO wreath laying that will include a wreath from the Blinded Veterans Association. The day’s events will receive VA support and assistance regardless of the status of the shutdown. The BVA leadership and membership are planning to participate in all of them.

Although deemed by many as only a token of appreciation compared to all that America’s veterans have sacrificed, please recall the long list of restaurant chains and other national retail establishments that offer freebies and discounts on and around Veterans Day. Check out the directory of offers that ran in USA Today this week (Tuesday, November 4).