This Memorial Day, the nation pauses to honor those fallen in defense of freedom. Western New York is home to a host of events in remembrance.
All Weekend:
The Town of Hamburg has a number of events scheduled, including the Hamburg Historical Society honoring the Nation’s Veterans ftom 10 a.m. to 4 p.m today and Sunday with an exhibit of World War II artwork. Also on Sunday is Blasdell’s Memorial Day Parade at 1 p.m., and a veteran’s concert at 7 p.m. in the Village of Hamburg. On the 30th, the Town is host to the American Legion Parade, the Lakeview Community Parade, a Watchfire Ceremony and VFW Post 1419’s Memorial Day Service. Full schedule and details can be found here.
Old Fort Niagara hosts the Re-enactment “Soldiers through the Ages” this weekend, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Sunday. “This military timeline re-enactment event traces the history of Fort Niagara from the 17th through the 20th centuries.” Featuring special exhibits, camps, weapons and tactical demonstrations, including Huey helicopter demonstrations sponsored by Lake Ontario Post #313 Veterans of Foreign Wars. VFW Post 313 will also present the annual Memorial Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. Monday at the Old Fort Niagara War of 1812 Cemetery.
Saturday:
The Buffalo and Erie County Naval Museum and Park hosts its Memorial Day events today, as well, with a ceremony of rememberance at 9 a.m. in the Hangar Building following by the unveiling of 5 new inductees to the Wall of Honor. From 10 a.m. until sold out, there will also be the 4th Annual Geranium Sale; the plants are primarily “sold” to replace those on the grounds, but they are also available to be taken home.
The Niagara Falls Community parade – renamed such after the event was cancelled in March due to lack of city support then resurrected through community donations – begins at 10 a.m. at the city market. Reports indicate more than 60 groups are registered to march in the parade which will conclude at the Veterans Memorial with a ceremony.
Sunday:
In yet another Huey-related event, a helicopter is set to flyover the City of Lockport’s parade on Sunday.The annual Memorial Day ceremony will be held at Cold Spring Cemetery at 11 a.m., the Memorial Day parade beginning at 1 p.m. at Veterans Park, with the Huey fly-over of the parade route expected at about 1:30.
At 10 a.m., The City of Lackawanna joins local Veteran’s posts for the 7th annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Veteran’s Stadium on South Park Avenue. Hosted by Matthew Glab Post 1477, along with Bett-Toomey Marine Corps Detachment 217, Colonel John B. Weber Post 898 and Lackawanna Post 63 the event also features performances by Lake Effect Harmony Chorus and Nickel City Road Show. Visit www.lackawannany.gov and scroll to the bottom of the page for full details.
At noon, the North Tonawanda Memorial Day Service on the Renaissance Bridge takes place, followed by the parade beginning on Payne avenue and Taber Drive, ending at Brauer Park.
Monday:
Forest Lawn Cemetery hosts the Erie County American Legion for their Memorial Day event, beginning with the Decoration of Graves at 8:30 a.m., followed by the Commencement of Services at 9:00 a.m. in front of the American Legion Memorial Monument in the Veterans section, near the Main Street Gates. Services conclude following a moment of silence, with a gun salute and taps. The full agenda for the day is available here.
At 10 a.m., the Grand Island Memorial Day Ceremony begins at DeGlopper Park. Following an introduction by Town Supervisor Nathan McMurray, the ceremony will be performed by members of both the VFW and American Legion.
The West Seneca Veterans Committee welcomes the public to their annual parade and Memorial Day ceremony at 10:30 a.m. The parade begins at Southgate Plaza on Union Road and proceeds to the Viet Nam Memorial at the town library, where the annual ceremony will be held. Refreshments will follow at the Legion Post 735.
Monday at 11 a.m., the Kenmore/Town of Tonawanda Annual Memorial Day Parade begin on Delaware Avenue. Participants should line up at their designated spot no later than 10:30 a.m. More information available from The Village of Kenmore and the lineup is available through the Town of Tonawanda.
Also at 11 a.m., Newfane and Olcott Beach present their annual Memorial Day Observance at Corwin Cemetery on Lockport-Olcott Road. There will be music, re-enactments, speeches and military honors sponsored American Legion Post 873. “Your presence during this event honors the veterans, who in times of war and peace, stood strong in defense of the United States of America.”
The Clarence Hollow Association asks you to join them for Memorial Day in Clarence, with the American Legion Parade beginning at 11 a.m. down Main Street from the high school to the Town Park, concluding with a ceremony at noon and followed by a chicken barbeque.
The Williamsville/Amherst annual Memorial Day Parade kicks off at 2 p.m. in front of Williamsville South High School. Additional details available on the Village’s Facebook page.
Missing an event? Feel free to let us know at events@allwnynews.com.
