BVL Joins in Veterans Day Honors
As part of the National Veterans Day Organizing Committee, responsible for Veterans Day activities in Washington, D.C. and around the country, Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL) representatives participated in a myriad of activities on November 11, 2009 to recognize and honor those who have served our country.
BVL Board Chair Darlene Baker and Board Member Walter Hall began the day with a breakfast at the White House hosted by President and Mrs. Obama and Vice President and Mrs. Biden. Baker and Hall attended breakfast amid the company of leaders of other Veterans Service Organizations and special guests.
Later that morning, formal ceremonies in the Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery opened with the Honorary Presidential Color Guard processing before the President and other dignitaries. Virginia United States Bowling Congress members Johnny Harris (Greater Lynchburg USBC), carrying the BVL flag, and Robbie Thomas (Allegheny-Bath USBC), marching with the U.S. flag, represented BVL.
"Being part of the Veterans Day ceremonies on behalf of BVL was probably one of the top five experiences in my life," says Harris, a past president of the Virginia State Bowling Association and currently an association manager in Lynchburg, Va. "It was an honor and a privilege, and a day I will never forget." The event, which featured speeches by President Obama and Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Shinseki, was the result of a collaborative effort of the more than 40 member organizations of the Committee.
A BVL tradition continued that morning as BVL Board members took part in a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Representatives of America's bowling centers also participated in this special event. Joining BVL Board members Gary Anderson and Tony Manna and Member Emeritus Elaine Hagin were Dave Zeitz, Chief Operating Officer, and Mary Harrar, Executive Administrator of Thunderbird Lanes (Philadelphia. Pa.).
BVL Board members concluded the day with a presentation to Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki. Shinseki accepted a facsimile check of more than $825,000, representing the amount of money raised by BVL for America's veterans during the 2008-2009 league season. "You folks are tremendous," remarked Shinseki. "This illustrates a real commitment to our veterans - our thanks to the BVL for all you do."
Since its inception in 1942, BVL has raised more than $35 million to improve the lives of those who have served our country. The BVL is located in Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and is guided by representatives of the United States Bowling Congress and the Bowling Proprietors' Association of America.
Photos of these events are available at http://www.BowlforVeterans.org.
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