The following is a list of submitted events recognizing Veterans Day:

 

Veterans Day chicken BBQ, basket raffle in Ransomville

First District Niagara County Legislator Irene Myers invites Niagara County residents to visit her eighth annual Ransomville and Youngstown Veterans Day chicken barbecue and basket raffle taking place from noon-5 p.m. (or until sold out), Saturday, Nov. 8, at O Leo Curtis American Legion Post 830, 2589 Youngstown-Lockport Road, Ransomville.

The event includes a Chiavetta’s chicken dinner with all the fixings for $15 per dinner (dine-in or takeout). An afternoon basket raffle featuring donated goods and gift cards from area merchants and residents, along with a 50/50, will also be featured.

Myers said this annual program carries special significance, as its proceeds benefit the membership of both Youngstown Lake Ontario Post 313, as well as Curtis Post 830.

“It’s that time of the year again,” she said. “I’m reaching out to everyone to please support our local veterans posts (in) Youngstown and Ransomville. It would be a blessing to our veterans. This yearly fundraiser helps support both posts throughout the entire year!”

 

Grand Island announces Veterans Day ceremony

The Town of Grand Island cordially invites veterans, family members and friends to attend the Veterans Day ceremony at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the Veterans Park Memorial Wall in Veterans Park, 1717 Bedell Road.

There will be a reception following the ceremony at Charles N. DeGlopper Post No. 9249, located at 2121 Grand Island Blvd.

For more information, contact the Recreation Department at 716-773-9680 or recreation@grand-island.ny.us.

The Town of Grand Island extends a very gracious thank you in advance for your time and participation.

 

Town of Niagara Veterans Day ceremony & luncheon

The Town of Niagara, the Town of Niagara Lions Club and the Town of Niagara Helping Hands are joining together to honor veterans at a ceremony and luncheon starting at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Veterans Memorial Community Park, 7000 Joe Rotella Way. A buffet lunch will follow in the Calvin K. Richards Community Center. All veterans are invited to attend.

Included will be a presentation of the colors, opening prayers and a pledge to the flag, followed by singing of the national anthem. Speaker for this event will be Dr. Kristin Jacobsen, founder/president of Hands Healing Heroes.

Lion John Teixeira will dedicate a memorial bench in honor of deceased Lion Angelo Onevelo. Residents are invited to attend.

 

Town of Wheatfield Veterans Day program

Veterans Day services for the Town of Wheatfield will be observed starting at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the Wheatfield Veterans Memorial, 2800 Church Road, North Tonawanda.

Presented by Wheatfieldlegionriders.org. The event will see observances by Wheatfield American Legion Post 1451 members at the town’s new veterans memorial, which includes a helicopter, tank, flagpoles and a Gold Star Mother’s monument with a paved walkway and knee wall now in place.

A flag retirement ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. at American Legion Post, 6525 Ward Road, Sanborn. In support of Veterans Day programs, the post lounge will be open that day from 11:30 to 5 p.m. For more information, call 716-731-4712.

••••••••

Veterans Day: A day of honor, a day to honor

‘Thank-A-Vet’ program pays tribute to veterans throughout year

Submitted by the Office of Erie County Clerk Michael P. Kearns

Veterans Day is observed each year on Nov. 11, marking the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” of 1918 – the moment that signaled the end of World War I. On this day, we pause to honor all the men and women who have worn the uniform of the U.S. Armed Forces and answered the call to defend our nation. America’s rise to greatness was built on their service, and their stories remain woven into the fabric of our history.

Whether they served in times of war or peace, all veterans share a common bond: an unwavering belief in the cause of freedom. It is a belief so strong they were willing to give their lives, if necessary, in its defense. They are our parents, siblings, friends, coworkers and neighbors.

Here in Erie County, we are proud to be home to approximately 65,000 veterans – one of the largest concentrations of veterans in all of New York. As Americans, it is our duty to honor and thank them for their service and sacrifice.

Each year, Erie County hosts several memorial services to pay tribute to these courageous men and women for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve. I encourage all residents to take time this Veterans Day to attend a ceremony in your community, visit a memorial, or simply display an American flag outside your home as a visible gesture of gratitude.

At the Erie County Clerk’s Office, we proudly honor our veterans 365 days a year through the “Thank-A-Vet” discount card program. If you are a veteran who has not yet filed your honorable discharge papers and received your “Thank-A-Vet” card, I invite you to do so. More than 1,500 local businesses, both large and small, participate in the program – offering meaningful discounts on goods and services as a small way to thank those who have served. We continue to expand this list and encourage more business owners to join us in supporting our veteran community.

Filing discharge papers (DD-214) with the Erie County Clerk’s Office safeguards this important document and allows veterans or their families to quickly and easily obtain free certified copies. The “Thank-A-Vet” photo ID card is issued at no charge, providing veterans with real savings – and offering local businesses the opportunity to serve those who served us while earning the loyalty of new and existing customers.

To obtain your complimentary “Thank-A-Vet” discount card, visit the Erie County Clerk’s Office at 92 Franklin St., Buffalo, or our clerk’s outreach center at the Southgate Plaza in West Seneca, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Veterans and business owners can learn more about the program at erie.gov/clerk/thankavet or by calling 716-858-6787.

This Veterans Day, let us all take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who have defended our freedom and to honor their legacy – not just on Nov. 11, but every day of the year.