BVA National President Paul Mimms and National Program Coordinator Vernon Humphrey ventured to the Nation’s Capital this week to represent blind and low vision veterans throughout the country in a series of events on Veterans Day that occurred at both the White House and Arlington National Cemetery (ANC).
Among such highlights was BVA’s participation in the flag processional and a VSO wreath laying at the Cemetery. With the BVA and U.S. flags firmly in waist-high harnesses, Mid-Atlantic Regional Group members Lawrence Harrison and Milagros De Jesus marched in the ceremonial Parade of Colors with the assistance of their sighted guides, respectively Bessie Powell and Milagros’ husband, Ed. Lawrence later assisted with the wreath presentation.
Accompanied by representatives of approximately 40 other organizations, the two were joined by Lawrence Harrison of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Group in the presentation of a BVA wreath at the Cemetery’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The symbolic gesture paid tribute to all veterans and served as the exclamation point to a warm, sun-drenched autumn day of memorable activities for BVA.
The laying of the BVA wreath followed the traditional Presidential wreath laying precisely at 11:00am, witnessed by Paul and Vern and performed on this occasion by President Joseph R. Biden. Afterward, the President joined Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough and Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) National President John Handzuk in addressing veterans and a capacity crowd of approximately 5,000 in the cemetery’s adjacent Memorial Amphitheater. FRA was the 2024 host organization.
The 71st National Veterans Day Observance also featured music by the United States Marine Band and the United States Navy Sea Chanters Chorus, and welcome remarks by Karen Durham-Aguilera, Executive Director of Army National Military Cemeteries and Arlington National Cemetery.
Several hours before their Arlington arrival, at 6:00am to be exact, Paul and Vern reported to Patton Hall on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall for their transportation to a traditional Veterans Day White House breakfast hosted by President Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden for VSO leaders and other dignitaries. Following the Presidential wreath laying, Paul was seated and recognized on the amphitheater platform with the speakers and national officers of the organizations designated as original members of the Veterans Day National Committee.
Accompanied by BVA National Director of Development Meredith Buono-DaGrossa and National Communications Coordinator Stuart Nelson, Paul and Vern returned to Patton Hall on the Army base for an FRA-hosted lunch reception following the VSO wreath laying.
