by
Neil Appleby
Tempus Fugit
Here we are at the mid-point of my presidency. Yes, time certainly
does fly when you are having fun. Let me update you about my travels
since we last communicated through this column.
WWII Memorial Dedication
Memorial Day weekend 2004 will go down in the history books.
It was a singular honor for me to represent BVA at the Memorial
dedication in the Nation’s Capital. My wife, Mary, daughter
Kathleen, and granddaughter, Laila, accompanied me. Mary had three
brothers serve in World War II. Mary and I entered service during
Korea.
On Friday afternoon we attended an outstanding performance at
the MCI Center, located just around the corner from our national
headquarters building. Later that evening, I participated in a
welcoming reception at the new Washington, DC, Convention Center.
The next morning we attended a prayer service at the National
Cathedral. I was proud to accompany America’s true heroes,
our Medal of Honor recipients, at that service. We were then bused
to the dedication site and treated to a delicious spread in a
huge tent on the mall.
Those of you who witnessed the dedication ceremony on TV saw
more than most of us who attended in person. We could not see
the speakers’ platform but were able to view the proceedings
on large screens. I prayed for you World War II veterans during
the ceremony. I thank you for the honor of representing you at
the dedication of your memorial.
We felt compelled to return the next day (Sunday) to visit the
Memorial itself. The crowds were extremely large and it was necessary
to walk long distances through controlled entrances and exits.
If you have occasion to visit the Memorial, comfortable walking
shoes are a must!
We had an added treat on Sunday. Rolling Thunder was once again
in town for the weekend. Motorcyclists paraded up and down Constitution
Avenue next to the mall. Envision this: motorcycles, two abreast,
traveling east and west and making a continuous loop. There were
cycles as far as the eye could see. Some estimates of the number
of bikers were as high as one million. Rolling Thunder participants
rode for hours. It was a stupendous show in support of the POW/MIA
movement.
The historic weekend came to a close on Monday with our visit
to Arlington National Cemetery. Under cloudy, drizzly skies, Clyde
Compton, President of the Maryland-DC-Virginia Regional Group,
and I placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Despite the
less than ideal weather, President Bush delivered his Memorial
Day message to a packed amphitheater.
Travel Travails
In mid-July I added some hard-earned frequent flyer miles to
my account by flying first to Orlando, Florida, as BVA’s
representative on the Board of Directors of the National Accreditation
Council for Agencies Serving the Blind and Visually Impaired (NAC).
Although the meetings were informative and productive, it was
reinforced to me that flying is like gambling. US Airways managed
to lose my two bags when my return flight was changed. Such a
mishap would normally be no problem, especially upon an arrival
at home. In this case, however, I had plans to depart the following
morning for West Haven, Connecticut, and my medicine was in the
lost baggage. Simple lesson for all: Put your meds in your carry-on
bag.
At West Haven I attended the annual Eastern Blind Rehabilitation
Center (EBRC) alumni reunion. The West Haven Blind Center itself
was also celebrating its 35th anniversary on the same occasion.
Tom Miller and I were guest speakers at the anniversary ceremony.
Tom represented BVA and I was invited as a former and continuing
education student!
Graduates of a blind center can attest to the wonderful changes
that occur in their lives. As a low-vision guy, I am eternally
grateful to the best low-vision optometrist in the country, Dr.
Kara Gagnon! Dr. Gagnon keeps my vision in tune to allow me to
continue to serve you and your families.
Returning from West Haven via air was also not easy. US Airways
canceled not one, but two flights. Eventually I made it home about
12 hours later than originally scheduled.
59th National Convention
I had a great time in Reno. There are no associated travel horror
stories to relate.
Thanks for re-electing me to a second one-year term. As readers
of the Bulletin, you may remember that we have been challenged
financially. Earlier this year, we took steps to, in the words
of Immediate Past President Joe Burns, "stop the bleeding."
Your Board of Directors, Executive Director Tom, and Controller
Kathy Ruais worked diligently to formulate a budget that was approved
by the members at the convention. Thanks to Joe, and his expertise
as a Certified Public Accountant, we came up with a scenario that
will eventually lead to a balanced budget.
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