Happy Thanksgiving 2013

Image: A vintage patriotic Thanksgiving Greeting Card

As we celebrate our liberties, freedoms, and the many things we have to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, we remember and support those who have protected them.  WBRC would like to thank all veterans this Thanksgiving for your service.  Have a happy and safe holiday.

The WBRC will be closed for business on Thursday November 28th, 2013 in observance of Thanksgiving.

The RN Station may be reached by calling:
(650) 493-500
then select 1, then 2, then enter 24623 -or- 24823

You may also leave a message at the WBRC Direct Line at:
(650) 614-9952

November Construction Update for New Building

Photo: The front of B-500 begins to get siding installed (right)

Image: Rendering of the front of B-500 when completed

Construction crews of the new Polytrauma and Blind Rehabilitation Center (B-500) are beginning to install the insulation on the exterior of the building.  The new center will overlap the original WBRC footprint on the Palo Alto VAPAHCS campus.  This will be the VA's first and only Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center to be combined with a Blind Rehabilitation Center. 

Photo: B-500 lobby under construction with staircase installed

Image: Rendering of B-500 lobby from 2nd level (staircase landing at right)

At 174,000 square feet, this new facility is the largest consolidated rehabilitation center in the VA and will include 24 beds for the polytrauma program, 32 beds for the blind rehabilitation program, and 12 beds for the polytrauma transitional rehabilitation program.  The center will also have an outpatient physical therapy/occupational therapy clinic, an outpatient physical medicine and rehabilitation clinic, and clinical programs for Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom Veterans.

Construction is anticipated to complete in late 2014 with the building becoming operational in January 2015. 

CLICK HERE to view additional construction pictures

CLICK HERE for construction updates

CLICK HERE to read the project's news release

Veterans Day 2013

Photo: Soldiers of the 353rd Infantry near a church at Stenay, Meuse in France, wait for the end of hostilities.  This photo was taken at 10:58 am, on November 11, 1981, two minutes before the armistice ending World War I went into effect.  Photograph via the Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs Website.

November 11, or what has come to be known as Veterans Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor Armistice Day (the end of WWI), which officially took place on November 11, 1989.  November 11 became recognized as Armistice Day in 1938 when legislature was passed to dedicate the day 'to the cause of world peace'.  As such the new holiday honored World War I veterans.

In 1954, after World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress amended the Act of 1938, at the urging of veterans service organizations, by replacing 'Armistice' with 'Veterans'.  This amendment was approved on June 1, 1954 making November 11 a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

Veterans day continues to be observed on November 11 every year, on whichever day it falls in the week.  It continues to mark the important date of the end of WWI and also has become a celebration to honor veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

The staff of the Western Blind Rehabilitation Center would like to take this opportunity to extend a proud 'Thank You' to the men and women of our country that have served and are serving in our armed forces.  We all enjoy the freedoms we have today due to your service.  

CLICK HERE to learn more about the History of Veterans Day 

The WBRC will be closed for business on Monday November 11th, 2013 in observance of Veterans Day.

The RN Station may be reached by calling:
(650) 493-500
then select 1, then 2, then enter 24623 -or- 24823

You may also leave a message at the WBRC Direct Line at:
(650) 614-9952