Veterans Day programs in Niagara County

By Terry Duffy

Editor-in-Chief

•The Town of Niagara Lions Club will once again hold its Veterans Day ceremony starting at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, at Veterans Memorial Community Park, 7000 Lockport Road.

Lion Angelo V. Onevelo stated the ceremony includes welcoming remarks from Supervisor Lee Wallace, Lion President Paul Peters and Helping Hands member Christina Kramp.

“Our guest speaker is the former Niagara County sheriff and distinguished Vietnam veteran combat medic Thomas Beilein,” Onevelo said.

The ceremony will also include prayers offered by the Rev. Ron Maines of Forestview Church of God, wreath presentations from the Lions, Helping Hands, Dr. Kristin Jacobsen of Hands Healing Heroes and Girl Scout Troop 74174. Girl Scout Cadet Marisha Dolan will perform “My Country Tis of Thee.” The Color Guard will be provided by Scoutmaster Kevin Rolling and Boy Scouts from Troop 841.

“We are honored to have Niagara Wheatfield High School student Morgan Giannantonio perform the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ and ‘taps’ with her trumpet. All veterans attending will be presented an American flag lapel pin and small American flag from the Girl Scouts from Troop 74174,” he said.

Following the ceremony, Helping Hands will provide warm beverages and pastry snacks in the Community Center.

“Everyone is invited to attend the ceremony and join us in honoring our nations veterans,” Onevelo said.

For more information, visit the Town of Niagara Lions Club Facebook page or email Onevelo at [email protected].

•American Legion Post 1 No. 451 in Sanborn invites residents to its chowder and live music event from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, at 6525 Ward Road. Featured will be servings of chowder, with live music with Bob Lee and Norm.

“Stop by the back hall and celebrate Veterans Day,” the post’s Facebook page stated.

•VFW Lake Ontario Post No. 313 in Youngstown invites residents to its Veterans Day ceremony starting at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, at Veterans Park on Third Street.

First District Niagara County Legislator Irene Myers, together with Post 313 and American Legion Curtiss Post No. 830 members in Ransomville and local sponsor, will hold the annual Chiavetta’s chicken barbecue from noon to 5 p.m. at Post No. 830, 2589 Youngstown Lockport Road. Eat-in and takeout options are available. Basket raffles and community programs will be offered.

Tickets are available at the door.

•In Niagara Falls, the Niagara Falls Buffalos Hockey Club invites the community to its Veterans Day preseason opener versus Pittsburgh at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, at the Hyde Park Ice Pavilion.

 “Mark your calendars for this special event happening on Veterans Day a day dedicated to honoring our brave veterans who have served dour country with utmost value and sacrifice,” the club said on its Facebook page.

This first-ever event will offer free admission to all veterans and their families.

“It’s our way of saying, ‘Thank you’ for your service and giving back to those who have given so much.”

For more information, visit the Niagara Falls Buffalos on Facebook.

•Veterans of Foreign Wars Downriver Post 7487 will observe Veterans Day at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, at Academy Park in the Village of Lewiston.

A press release explained, “Originally known as Armistice Day to celebrate the end of World War I, in 1954, as a result of a yearlong campaign by World War II veteran Raymond Weeks, Armistice Day was changed to Veterans Day. This day commemorates all veterans of all wars and eras – past, present and future, living or dead – making Veterans Day a day of celebration and gratitude.

“So, on this Veterans Day, join us at the ‘Circle of Honor’ monument in Academy Park as we show our appreciation to not only those who are no longer with us, but also those who are still with us.”