Red Cross, Buffalo Fire Honor Guard remember unclaimed WWI veterans on Wreaths Across America Day

More than 80 headstones were purchased by Red Cross at Riverdale Cemetery in 1919

American Red Cross Press Release & Photos

On Saturday, Dec. 13, members of the American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces volunteer committee and the Buffalo Fire Honor Guard recognized more than 80 fallen World War I veterans who were laid to rest at Riverdale Cemetery as part of Wreaths Across America Day.

Volunteers laid wreaths on a total of 82 gravestones and said the name of each service member out loud to ensure that their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

The gravesites surround an American Red Cross monument purchased by the former Niagara Falls chapter for unclaimed veterans of World War I in January 1919.

Lisa Taibi is the regional program manager of Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) and International Services for the American Red Cross of Western New York region. She noticed the monument, along with dozens of grave markers, while visiting the graves of nearby family members.

After an investigation turned up limited information surrounding the early 1900’s purchase, Taibi and the SAF committee embraced the opportunity to honor the veterans in 2021. The committee, which held the first Wreaths Across America dedication at the site in December 2021, return each Memorial Day to scrub headstones, plant flowers and place flags in recognition of the veterans’ service and sacrifice to the country.

The SAF committee is a group of dedicated volunteers who help to support members of the military, veterans and their families. From “Hero Care” comfort kits and volunteering at local VA hospitals, to supporting military families during life’s emergencies, the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces helps members of the military, veterans and their families to prepare for, cope with and respond to the challenges of military service.

As part of Wreaths Across America Day, about 20 volunteers from the American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces volunteer committee to recognize more than 80 fallen World War I veterans who were laid to rest at Riverdale Cemetery. Bob Pecoraro, chair of the SAF committee, led people in a ceremony alongside the Buffalo Fire Honor Guard. In addition to each grave site, volunteers also laid wreaths representing each branch of the U.S. military on a Red Cross monument at the site that was also purchased in 1919.

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The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit on X/Twitter at @RedCross.

Riverdale Cemetery is located at 5605 Old Lewiston Road.