Braille American Flag Dedication at Chelan County Courthouse

The Daughters of the American Revolution, The Sons of the American Legion, and the American Legion Post 10  came together and donated the Braille American Flag to the Chelan County Courthouse in 2022. It has finally been mounted on a granite monument and found its home at the Chelan County Courthouse Flag Courtyard.

“This project was initially proposed back in 2015 by the late Joanne Hanson,  a then member of John Kendrick Chapter, NSDAR. It has been in the planning for several years and has now finally come to fruition in this momentous year of  America’s 250^th birthday – honoring our country and all Americans; past, present and future. It stands as a tribute to Americas’ blinded veterans, blind service members, and all blind Americans.”

“We wish to thank the Sons of American Legion Post 10, the American Legion Post 10 and the Chelan County Courthouse for their support and assistance in completing this long awaited project.” said John Kendrick Chapter Honorary Chapter Regent, Karen Brown.

photo courtesy of Chelan County

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a women’s service organization whose members can trace their lineage to an individual who contributed to securing American independence during the Revolutionary War. Today’s DAR is dynamic and diverse, with over 185,000 members in 3,000 chapters in the United States and abroad. DAR members annually provide millions of hours of volunteer service to their local communities across the country and world. DAR chapters participate in projects to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism. Over one million members have joined the organization since its founding in 1890.The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a women’s service organization whose members can trace their lineage to an individual who contributed to securing American independence during the Revolutionary War. Today’s DAR is dynamic and diverse, with over 185,000 members in 3,000 chapters in the United States and abroad. DAR members annually provide millions of hours of volunteer service to their local communities across the country and world. DAR chapters participate in projects to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism. Over one million members have joined the organization since its founding in 1890.

About the Tactile/Braille American Flag

Randolph Cabral, President of the Kansas Braille Transcription Institute (KBTI) and the son of a World War II blind veteran created the tactile/Braille American Flag to honor his father, who lost his sight late in life. In addition to allowing the blind and partially sighted to experience the flag, a colorful version aims to catch the attention of those with sight.

In February 2008, through the combined efforts of the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA), KBTI and U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt, the U.S. Congress unanimously authorized placement of a bronze monument of the Braille Flag at Arlington National Cemetery as a tribute to blind veterans of all wars, and other blind Americans.

photo courtesy of Jeff Tuttle

In April of 2008 the Braille flag was officially installed at the cemetery representing a Braille replica of the U.S. American Flag.

Since then, thousands have found their way into the hands and hearts of many sighted and blind civilians, veteran’s, veteran’s hospitals, memorials parks, offices of elected officials, schools for the blind, and many other places. The Blinded Veterans Association and the American Braille flag Project has given hundreds of framed Braille flags as appreciation awards to blind veterans not only to American Veterans but also to blind veterans in other countries.

About the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution

The DAR was founded in 1890 to preserve the memory and spirit of those who contributed to securing American independence. For more than 130 years, the DAR has strived to bring awareness to the honorable sacrifices and enduring legacy of all patriots who fought for America’s freedom. Through the DAR Genealogical Research System (www.dar.org/GRS), the public can access a free database of information amassed by the DAR about these patriots.

DAR is a nonprofit, nonpolitical women’s service organization with more than 185,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership. DAR members passionately carry out the timeless mission of promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism. To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit www.dar.org.