Buffalo Naval Park to host 3rd annual Student Military Recognition Ceremony, honor local recruits

At 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 27, the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park will host the third annual Student Military Recognition Ceremony to honor all Western New York student recruits from the Class of 2023. The event, which will take place at U.S. Coast Guard Sector Buffalo, will recognize more than 120 students.

“The Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park proudly recognizes all Western New York students who are enlisting in the United States military,” said Paul Marzello, president and CEO. “Similar to a signing day for athletes or recognition for college scholars, this program will focus attention on the segment of our student population who have decided to serve our country.”

The featured speaker will be Command Master Chief Keith Wilkerson Jr. of the U.S. Navy, who is currently serving as the CMC of MyNavy Career Center. He will also conduct a swearing-in ceremony for the student recruits.

Additional speakers will include Capt. Mark Kuperman, sector commander of the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Buffalo; World War II veteran Dr. John Long; LTC Terry McGuire, U.S. Army (retired); and representatives from Blue Star Mothers NY7. The program will also include a military color guard and a performance by George Miller.

The ceremony is open by invitation only, but a virtual livestream of the event will be available to the public. For more information about viewing the virtual ceremony, visit https://buffalonavalpark.org/student-military-recognition-ceremony.

For a complete list of the student recruits who will be recognized at Tuesday’s event, visit https://buffalonavalpark.org/2023-recruits.