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BVA members and their regional groups across the country honored
one another and all veterans by participating in a variety of
activities and events on Veterans Day. Bill Dixon, North Texas
Regional Group, was one of many who rode in a local parade.
Others attended flag raising ceremonies, religious services,
and commemorative events in national cemeteries and VA medical
centers nationwide. President Appleby and BVA Auxiliary National
President Hazel Compton attended the traditional ceremony at Arlington
National Cemetery and together presented a BVA wreath at the Tomb
of the Unknowns.
Their wreath presentation followed a similar laying of a wreath
and an address by President George W. Bush in the cemetery’s
amphitheater. This year’s ceremony at Arlington and a subsequent
reception at an adjacent Doubletree Hotel were hosted by the Army
and Navy Union, the nation’s oldest VSO.
"Our veterans have borne the costs of America’s wars
and have stood watch over America’s peace," said Bush.
"And, today, every veteran can be certain: The nation you
served and the people you defended are grateful."
Bush referred specifically to the sacrifices of Americans on
active duty in Afghanistan and Iraq. "Those who serve and
fight today are adding great achievements of their own to America’s
history, and America is grateful for their daring, grateful for
their honor, and grateful for their sacrifice."
Bush’s remarks were preceded by an introduction by VA Secretary
Anthony J. Principi, welcoming remarks by Army and Navy Union
National Commander David Berger, and a musical selection by the
United States Army Band.
The occasion was also a reminder of BVA’s duties as the
host organization at the same events exactly one year before.
Among the guests at both the ceremony and the reception were Neil,
Hazel, BVA Headquarters staff, and Immediate Past National President
Joe Burns with several of his Marine Corps friends. Joe found
the occasion considerably more relaxing than that of last year,
when he was faced with the task of preceding President Bush with
remarks from the amphitheater stage. Blinded Veterans Skip Sharpe
and Donald Grier also joined the entourage.
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