Grants Bolster State Veteran Cemeteries
VA awarded more than $77 million in grants during Fiscal Year 2025 for the expansion and improvement of 20 state veterans cemeteries throughout the nation and one establishment grant for Alaska’s first state veterans cemetery. VA’s National Cemetery Administration reimburses states for the cost of building, improving, or expanding state-run veteran cemeteries. Later, state grants typically fund the construction of pre-placed crypts, columbaria, and improvements required to continue interments and operations. Using the button below,
Rowe Family Welcomed at Wreaths Across America
More than 5,600 locations nationwide participated in this year’s Wreaths Across America on December 13. Thousands of Americans descended on cemeteries throughout the country to assist in the laying of holiday wreaths at the grave markers of the nation’s veterans. The cleanup of the wreaths is a work-in-progress that continues in many of the nation’s cemeteries. Among the willing and able participants in the laying of the wreaths at the Alexandria National Cemetery was the
Tennessee BVA Ambassador with Unique Harmonica Talent Offers Free Lessons
David Jones, BVA member and Ambassador from Ooltewah, Tennessee, has offered to share his passion and ability to play the harmonica with any interested BVA member. The lessons can be conducted via Facetime calls or by telephone. According to David, possessing sight is not a requirement for playing the harmonica, which consists of four basic holes that can produce eight different sounds. David plays in memory of his father and for his brothers, the latter
“Visions of BVA” Podcast Features Latest BVA Bulletin, Watch for February Episode
The most recent audio episode of Visions of BVA, released on January 1, is now live and accessible on all major platforms, most notably the Association’s YouTube channel, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Featured this month is the audio version of the Autumn 2025 BVA Bulletin, the most recent issue of the quarterly publication produced by and for blind and low vision veterans and their families. Host and producer Steve Baskis has converted a written script
The Bulletin
In This Issue:
- President’s Page
- Legislative Update
- Executive Director’s Message
- Reverencing All Veterans on Their Day
- Finding His Way Back to Music: The Story of Stephen Butler
- Paul Mimms: True Friend, Confidante, Example
- Around BVA
- Auxiliary’s View
- History Reminds Us: We Ain’t Heard Nothin’ Yet!
- Veterans Service Program Update
- A Season for Charitable Giving
- Of Note
- In Remembrance
- Final Thought
