Yesterday, July 27, marked the 70th anniversary of the Korean Armistice Agreement to “insure a complete cessation of hostilities.” With it came a measure of peace and a return home for thousands of Americans. For many early BVA members who served in Korea and who returned home before the Armistice, the costs of the conflict would forever be real.

While the bulk of BVA’s early members were veterans who lost their sight in World War II, many from the Korean War era followed soon thereafter and made their mark on the organization in leadership positions and other contributions. General Richard G. Fazakerley, National President from 1993-95, was certainly one. Another was Neftali Sanchez, National Chaplain from 1978 until 2011. A third still was Stephen Miyagawa, author of In Search of Excellence, a scholarly work published in 1999 that examined the development of the military and VA blind rehabilitation programs of the 20th century. In addition, some 15 percent of BVA’s active membership is from the Korean War era.

We remember this week the end of the Korean War and the many sacrifices of those who defended freedom there. We share the opinions and sentiments of current Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, released yesterday and available here.