One Life - One Flag Memorial Day Commemoration at the Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park

The Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park and The Battle Within Foundation are joining forces to host a socially distant Memorial Day weekend salute. Throughout Memorial Day weekend, 7,300 flags will blanket the grounds of the Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park to represent the United States Veterans who have lost their battle with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Despite the best efforts of family, friends, the VA, and scores of dedicated Veterans-based organizations, approximately 20 Veterans each day are lost to us due to complications from wounds and injuries we cannot see. That’s 7,300 brave men and women a year who swore an oath to protect and defend our country, and experienced the unimaginable in our name. Unfortunately, they made it through one war, only to come home to fight another – PTSD.

Paul Marzello, President and CEO of the Buffalo Naval Park, stated: “It is a fitting tribute to be commemorating our fallen heroes on Memorial Day at the Buffalo Naval Park under the grand and glorious flag that flies above us. In addition, we are reminded by the 7,300 flags planted in the grounds around us that the pain and suffering of war continues long after our soldiers return home. Let us keep them all in our prayers.”

The historic war memorials at the Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park’s Monuments Garden provide the quintessential place to honor several lifetimes of service in the U.S. Armed Forces. Located in a green oasis along the waterfront, the Monuments Garden is home to many monuments including the Iraq-Afghanistan Monument, Vietnam Memorial, Purple Heart Memorial, Hispanic and Latino Memorial, and The Battle Within PTSD Monument. This space serves as a quiet place for remembrance and reflection.

“It is our sincerest hope that this display of flags will in some small way help educate the public to this ongoing tragedy, provide a lifeline to the suffering, and honor our heroes for their service, regardless of where they died,” stated Dr. Mark Donnelly, The Battle Within Foundation President.

Anyone who wishes to make a $20.20 or greater donation to the Buffalo Naval Park will receive one of the flags from the One Life – One Flag installation along with a certificate. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Battle Within Foundation to help provide resources for Veterans who are struggling with PTSD. Additional information can be found at buffalonavalpark.org/event/onelifeoneflag.