Archive for category: News

Check below for the updated winter hours

Closed Thanksgiving (November 23rd)
OPEN Friday November 24th–Sunday 26th  

November 27th–December 7th
Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday–Sunday
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Mon. Nov. 27 – OPEN
Tues. Nov. 28 – Closed
Wed. Nov. 29 – OPEN
Thurs. Nov. 30 – Closed
Fri. Dec. 1 – OPEN
Sat. Dec. 2 – Closed
Sun. Dec. 3 – Closed
Mon. Dec. 4 – OPEN
Tues. Dec. 5 – Closed
Wed. Dec. 6 – OPEN
Thurs. Dec. 7 – OPEN

Special hours while the USS Little Rock is in Buffalo

December 8th–18th
OPEN EVERY DAY— all three ships, the museum building, and the outdoor exhibit yard.
Weather permitting.

Special Winter hours:

December 19th–25th
Open 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Ship access may be limited due to weather and ongoing maintenance.

Tues. Dec. 19 – Closed
Wed. Dec. 20 – OPEN
Thurs. Dec. 21 – Closed
Fri. Dec. 22 – OPEN
Sat. Dec. 23 – Closed
Sun. Dec. 24 – Closed
Mon. Dec. 25 – Closed

Special Hours for IIHF World Junior Hockey Tournament

December 26th–January 5th
Open 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Ship Tours will be limited depending on weather conditions and maintenance work; however, the museum building will be open normal hours (10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.).
A reduced admission price will be in effect when ships are closed – $5.00/adult – $3.00/child

Tues. Dec. 26 – OPEN
Wed. Dec. 27 – OPEN
Thurs. Dec. 28 – OPEN
Fri. Dec. 29 – OPEN
Sat. Dec. 30 – OPEN
Sun. Dec. 31 – OPEN
Mon. Jan. 1 – OPEN
Tues. Jan. 2 – Closed
Wed. Jan. 3 – OPEN
Thurs. Jan. 4 – Closed
Fri. Jan. 5 – OPEN

Regular Winter Hours:

Remainder of January 2018 thru March 2018
Ships will be closed for maintenance & repairs. On certain occasions, one or more ships may be open.
Check our Facebook page for daily updates.

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Nov. 10, 2017 – The Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park added six new Western New Yorkers to its Wall of Honor this morning during its annual Veterans Day (observed) ceremony held in the park’s Hangar Building. In addition, park officials announced that all veterans who wish to come tour the ships and museum on Saturday, Nov. 11, will receive free admission from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with proper military I.D.

A wonderful crowd as the Naval Park adds six new Western New Yorkers to its Wall of Honor during its annual Veterans Day (observed) ceremony held on Friday, Nov. 11 in the Hangar Building.

“Veterans Day, unlike Memorial Day, is a day to celebrate all of our veterans, past and present, throughout our communities,” said Naval Park Executive Director Brian Roche, a retired Captain in the U.S. Coast Guard. “What better way for a park dedicated to honoring their service than to invite them to join us on a day that’s dedicated to thanking them for their sacrifices.”

The honorees added to the Wall of Honor include:

• Dolores Kwiatkowski was one the Naval Park’s first employees when its doors opened in 1979. Upon the death of the park’s first superintendent, Kwiatkowski became the subject matter expert and unofficial park historian. She was frequently relied upon by all staff members for her extensive knowledge. Sadly, in 2016 Dolores passed away after a long series of illnesses.
• Monsignor Dino Lorenzetti served as a Staff Sargent in the Army from Nov. 1942 to Dec. 1945. He was ordained as a priest in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo in 1954 and still today — 63 years later — celebrates mass for Protestant, Catholic and Jewish service members and their families.
• Edmund Mozgawa served as petty officer second class in the U.S. Navy. Mozgawa was killed on Nov. 13, 1942 when the USS Juneau was sunk by a Japanese submarine, killing the majority of the 700 crewmembers aboard, including the five Sullivan Brothers, for whom the Buffalo Naval Park’s Destroyer is named.
• Jeremiah Reilly served as a Gunner’s Mate, Third Class, originally assigned to the USS Brooklyn but reassigned to the USS Juneau. Reilly was also among the casualties on Nov. 13, 1942.
• Gerald Sansone enlisted in the Navy in 1961 at just 17 years old with his father’s written consent. He served in active duty on the USS Independence from Jan. 1961 to Dec. 1965. He was honorably discharged on March 12, 1968.
• Harry Uhl was drafted into the U.S. Army in Sept. 1965. He was sent to Vietnam in Feb. 1966 and was part of the Mortar Platoon of Company B, 1^st Infantry Division. Uhl, earned a Bronze Star in Oct. 1966 and earned the rank of Sergeant E5 in Jan. 1967. His service of Vietnam ended in Feb. 1967.
• The ceremony included speeches and stories from family members as well as personal accounts from surviving Wall of Honor Inductees.

​”This is a moment to reflect upon the dedication, courage, and willing sacrifice of all those who wear the nation’s uniform,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “Regardless of where they are stationed or the nature of their service, in peace and in war, these men and women have answered the call of duty. Today’s ceremony at the Buffalo and Erie Naval Park honors their service and reminds us all of the price of freedom.”

In addition to comments from the Lt. Governor, New York State Senator Tim Kennedy (63^rd District) reflected on the generations of men and women that served for the great country we live.

“I am humbled to participate in today’s ceremony honoring the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” said Senator Tim Kennedy. “On this Veterans Day, we should take stock of how lucky we are to live in a nation where generations of service members have selflessly given so much of themselves to protect our freedom.”

State Assemblyman Mickey Kearns (142^nd District) spoke to the level of pride we should have for our veterans.

“The commitment, bravery and devotion embodied by this country’s veterans is something, as a citizen, to be deeply proud of,” said Assemblyman Mickey Kearns. “Their great sense of selflessness and courage represents the best of the best in our community. We know that our veterans didn’t join the service, that their families didn’t make sacrifices, for the awards and recognition, but we as a society owe these men and women a debt of gratitude for putting us before themselves. For dedicating their lives to ensuring that this country can continue to strive to reach its greatest ideals. I am humbled and honored to stand beside these great men and women, and say thank you to all those who have served.”

A proclamation was read by Erie County Legislator Joseph Lorigo and the ceremony was emceed by Naval Park Board Chairman Don Alessi.

“Veterans Day is celebrated each year on Nov. 11, commemorating the end of World War I — at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 — when the peace treaty with Germany went into effect,” Mr. Alessi added. “Like this day, our Wall of Honor provides an everlasting tribute to all who have served in our armed forces.”

Whether honoring those who are still with us or remembering those who have gone before us, an inscription on the Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park Wall of Honor not only serves as a lasting memorial for all to see, but it also celebrates that veteran’s life for generations to come. To submit a veteran’s name to be inscribed on the Wall of Honor, please visit: buffalonavalpark.org/support-us/wall-of-honor/.

The family of Edmund Mozgawa, a petty officer second class in the U.S. Navy. Mozgawa was killed on Nov. 13, 1942 when the USS Juneau was sunk by a Japanese submarine, killing the majority of the 700 crew members aboard, including the five Sullivan Brothers, for whom the Buffalo Naval Park’s Destroyer is named.

The family of Jeremiah Reilly, a Gunner’s Mate, Third Class, originally assigned to the USS Brooklyn but reassigned to the USS Juneau. Reilly was also among the casualties on Nov. 13, 1942.

The family of Dolores Kwiatkowski, one the Naval Park’s first employees when its doors opened in 1979. Upon the death of the park’s first superintendent, Kwiatkowski became the subject matter expert and unofficial park historian. She was frequently relied upon by all staff members for her extensive knowledge. Sadly, in 2016 Dolores passed away after a long series of illnesses.

Sgt. Harry Uhl being presented his Wall of Honor plaque by Board Chairman Don Alessi. Sgt, Uhl was drafted into the U.S. Army in Sept. 1965. He was sent to Vietnam in Feb. 1966 and was part of the Mortar Platoon of Company B, 1st Infantry Division. Uhl, earned a Bronze Star in Oct. 1966 and earned the rank of Sergeant E5 in Jan. 1967. His service of Vietnam ended in Feb. 1967.

The daughter of Gerald Sansone speaking on his behalf, as he and his wife stand alongside her. Sansone enlisted in the Navy in 1961 at just 17 years old with his father’s written consent. He served in active duty on the USS Independence from Jan. 1961 to Dec. 1965. He was honorably discharged on March 12, 1968.

96-year-old Monsignor Dino Lorenzetti speaking about his time in war and priesthood. Lorenzetti served as a Staff Sargent in the Army from Nov. 1942 to Dec. 1945. He was ordained as a priest in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo in 1954 and still today — 63 years later — celebrates mass for Protestant, Catholic and Jewish service members and their families.

Buffalo, New York – Veterans from around the nation will be coming to Buffalo, October 23–30 for the 2017 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival (NVCAF). This national event is the celebration and grand finale stage and art show of talent competitions representing 51 categories of art, creative writing, dance, drama and music, for Veterans across the nation, treated in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system.

Over 120 Veterans will exhibit their artwork or perform musical, dance, dramatic or original writing selections in a gala variety show to be held Sunday, October 29 at UB Center for the Arts. The art exhibit and creative writers’ meet and greet takes place from noon–1:45 pm in the Atrium, and the stage show begins at 2 pm on the Mainstage Theatre. A professional orchestra will accompany the performance. VA medical facilities incorporate creative arts into their recreation therapy programs enhancing rehabilitation for both inpatients and outpatients. This annual competition recognizes the progress and recovery made through creative arts therapy, and raises the visibility of the creative achievements of our Nation’s Veterans after disease, disability or life crisis.

Two local winners will participate; James Becker’s “Intraflection” stood out in the Military Combat Experience category and David Krieger’s, “They Call Me Jake” in the essay (other) category.

“This showcase of talented Veterans highlights the therapeutic benefits of the arts,” shared Pamela Kaznowski, VA Western New York Healthcare System Recreation Therapy Supervisor and Host site coordinator. “This is an exciting event for Veterans, VA staff, volunteers and the community. Everyone is welcome to attend the October 29th event! ”

Tickets are available by calling 716-862-6814 for this free event open to the public, presented by Department of Veterans Affairs and American Legion Auxiliary.

Ceremony and memorial honor families who have lost loved ones during military service

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Sept. 24, 2017 — Today the Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park officially unveiled a new plaque that will serve as a memorial to families who have lost a family member during military service. Known as “Gold Star” families, they were honored on National Gold Star Mother’s Day, the last Sunday of September annually.

Several Western New York Gold Star Mothers gather at the new Gold Star Memorial marker unveiled today at the Buffalo Naval Park. Each has lost a child during military service to our country. This new memorial serves to remind our community of the sacrifice which they and their families have endured.

The new Gold Star plaque is adjacent to the previously existing Blue Star plaque, which recognizes the sacrifice all families with loved ones serving in the military endure. The new marker was funded by the Bowmansville Garden Club, which has a special focus on Gold Star families in many of the gardens they design, including the Russell J. Salvatore Patriots and Heroes Park and the Theodore Roosevelt Inauguration site.

The ceremony was held on the Veterans Park Promenade, which is open year around to the public at no cost. State Senator Chris Jacobs and State Assemblyman Mickey Kearns were on hand to express their gratitude and honor the sacrifices made by the Gold and Blue Star families present. They were joined by Naval Park board and staff members, the Erie County Sheriff’s Pipes & Drums Patriot Guard Riders, and numerous veterans.

The Blue Star military service flag was first created during World War I by a father to recognize his two sons battling in the front line of duty. It features a red border and white interior with a blue star in the center. In more recent years, the Gold Star flag was developed, following the same design. It is hung during wartime to recognize the families of those who have lost loved ones through their military service.

The ceremony began with remarks from the Naval Park’s Executive Director, Captain Brain Roche, who expressed his deepest condolences for the relatives of our fallen heroes.

“The families who have joined us here today, as well as many more across Western New York and beyond, have suffered the ultimate grief, while their sons, daughters or family members gave us the ultimate sacrifice,” Capt. Roche said. “This marker now displayed here on the Veterans Promenade will remind passersby — including the visitors we receive annually from all 50 states, and over 100 countries — of these sacrifices. We hope it will cause them to pause, reflect and express some form of gratitude to you and your loved ones for all you have given us, and all you have endured.”

An invocation was led by Gold Star Mother Holly Baker of Springville, N.Y., the mother of U.S. Army Specialist Brain Baker (10th Mountain Division), who was killed in action in 2004 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Ms. Baker is a former President of the American Gold Star Mothers South Buffalo Chapter No. 26.

Sandra Krege, president of the American Gold Star Mothers South Buffalo Chapter No. 26, addressed those in attendance about the significance of the new addition of the Gold Star Memorial marker. Ms. Krege’s son, U.S. Army PFC Travis Krege, was killed in action in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2006.

“It is certainly fitting that today, on Gold Star Mother’s Day, we unveil this Gold Star marker in recognition of your devoted presence in this community,” Naval Park Chairman Don Alessi added, addressing those mothers in attendance. “Yet, it is even more fitting that this ceremony follows the 75^th anniversary of the death [during the sinking of the U.S.S. Juneau] of the five Sullivan brothers, for which our destroyer is named. While the Sullivans reunion committee paid tribute to the five brothers for their ultimate sacrifice, they did not forget Aletta Sullivan, perhaps the most well-known Gold Star Mother, for her enduring loss.”

Mr. Alessi also expressed his gratitude to the Bowmansville Garden Club for its generosity before introducing Sandra Krege, the current president of the American Gold Star Mothers South Buffalo Chapter No. 26. She lost her son, U.S. Army PFC Travis Krege, who was also killed in action during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2006.

“This is not a club that anybody chooses to belong too,” Ms. Krege explained. “I hope, when people read this new marker, they understand what these families have gone through, and what they have sacrificed for us all. We lost our only son, our first born. His sibling lost her big brother. At every holiday, there is a hole at our table. There’s a birthday that we never get to celebrate. But a history unlearned is doomed to repeat itself, and there are many lessons to be learned here in this park. I really appreciate the significance of today. It’s very special and important to me.”

The ceremony concluded with the unveiling the new marker, the playing of “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes, and several photos with the Gold Star Mothers, all dressed in white and gold, around the new memorial.