BVL Representatives Participate in National Veterans Day Activities

For numerologists, 11-11-11 marks an historical date. However, for the thousands joining in the National Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington Cemetery, it was much more.

November 11, 2011, Veterans Day, was an opportunity to pause and remember the sacrifice of those who have served our country. In a ceremony replete with pomp and tradition – from the 21 gun salute to the wreath laying to the parade of colors -- the day is filled with patriotic symbolism and deep reflection.

As the wind whipped the flags aligning the Amphitheatre at Arlington Cemetery, the crowd turned to watch the specially-appointed Presidential Color Guard to initial the start of the observance. These designees marched in step, carrying the flags of the Veterans Service Organizations of the Veterans Day National Committee.

Representing the Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL) as a member of that committee, was HN Sean Ryan Bridges (USN), currently serving at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Bridges carried the American flag in honor of the California USBC BVL, as he is the grandson of the long-time co-chair of the California BVL campaign, Rosie Parker. For decades, the California USBC has been the frontrunner in fund-raising to support the BVL cause. Joining Bridges to carry the BVL flag was Steve Faunce, of the Thunderbird Lanes chain of bowling centers in the Philadelphia area. Thunderbird Lanes has helped to lead the bowling center effort in the support of BVL.

BVL representatives Wally Hall, Darlene Baker, Stu Upson and Steve Johnson prepare to lay the BVL wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns

Following remarks by VA Secretary Eric Shinseki and President Obama at the observance, BVL representatives convened to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. This contingent included BVL Board Chair Darlene Baker, BVL Board Member Wally Hall, and two special guests of BVL, Stu Upson, Executive Director of the United States Bowling Congress, and Steve Johnson, Executive Director of the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America.

Earlier that morning, Upson and Johnson were invited by BVL to represent the charity at a special White House breakfast hosted by President and Mrs. Obama. There, they had the opportunity to speak with the President about BVL and the organization’s commitment to support our nation’s active duty and veteran service men and women.

From the Cemetery, the BVL Board Members and special guests joined VA Secretary Eric Shinseki for a private meeting which featured the presentation of a facsimile check of $761,660.26; the amount raised by BVL during the 2010-2011 season. At the meeting, BVL Chair Darlene Baker also outlined several initiatives being planned by BVL to further support the VA.

“It was an honor to represent BVL at these activities,” noted Upson. “It brings the importance of BVL activities into focus. Both the President and Secretary Shinseki acknowledged the great support that America’s bowling family provides to our veterans. They know the difference BVL programs make for our active duty and veterans service men and women.”