New braille flag display unveiled in Louisiana

BATON ROUGE, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – The sacrifices of blinded veterans are being honored in Louisiana.

The State Library of Louisiana unveiled a new braille flag display that allows visually impaired visitors to experience the flag through touch.

The bronze display features the American flag in raised braille dots. It was donated by the Louisiana-Mississippi Regional Group of the Blinded Veterans Association.

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser oversaw the dedication ceremony.

“Our nation’s flag has long served as a unifying symbol, but for too long, those who are blind or visually impaired could only experience it through description. The placement of these tactile flags allows all visitors to personally connect with our nation’s most cherished emblem through touch and the universal language of braille. We are grateful to the BVA for this meaningful gift that will serve our library patrons for generations to come,” Nungesser said.

The State Library of Louisiana was selected to receive the displays as home of the Talking Books and Braille Library, Louisiana’s only library dedicated to providing library services for the visually impaired.

“Braille flags serve as both a symbol and teaching tool, helping sighted individuals better understand the braille system while providing blind and visually impaired community members with direct access to this important patriotic symbol,” said State Librarian Meg Placke. “The displays are a wonderful addition to our facility and will certainly be a point of interest for our visitors.”

The dedication was attended by local veterans, library leadership and staff, and representatives of the BVA. The displays are installed in the State Library’s first floor lobby and reference areas and are available for public interaction during all operating hours.

The Blinded Veterans Association is the only national Veterans Service Organization chartered by the United States Congress and exclusively dedicated to assisting America’s blinded veterans and their families.

Founded in 1945, the BVA provides support services, advocates for benefits, and promotes awareness of issues affecting the visually impaired veteran community.