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The Color Guard of the 914th Airlift Wing at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station participated in last year's Memorial Day ceremony in Lewiston.
The Color Guard of the 914th Airlift Wing at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station participated in last year's Memorial Day ceremony in Lewiston.

Paying tribute on Memorial Day

Sat, May 27th 2017 07:00 am
This Memorial Day weekend, community members will again come together across the U.S. to pay tribute to those who gave their lives for their country.
What follows are local events scheduled in the Village of Lewiston and at Old Fort Niagara in Youngstown.
Village of Lewiston
•Veterans of Foreign Wars, Downriver Post No. 7487, will lead this year's Lewiston Memorial Day Parade. It begins at 11 a.m. Monday, May 29, at Fourth and Center streets and proceeds to the Veterans Memorial at Academy Park.
The parade will feature two new floats for veterans - one, donated by Emery Simon, will escort the service members along the route; a second, donated by Deal Realty, will collect items for veterans and their families. A collection bin also will be placed in the park.
When the procession reaches Academy Park, sometime around noon, the observance will, as always, include a reading of the roll of those who lost their lives defending this country and its ideals; a wreath-laying ceremony; music; and moments of prayer and reflection.
New this year, the VFW will induct 10 new members during the program.
Following the ceremony (about 1 p.m.), all guests are invited to dine together at a free community luncheon inside the park. Lunch will feature a chicken dinner, donated by The Brickyard B.B.Q & Pub with a custard dessert donated by Hibbard's Original Frozen Custard.
A 400-person tent was donated by Brett's Tent & Awning as well as tables and chairs.
The Lewiston Lions Club will have a table set up during the Memorial Day program in Academy Park. Children can color and wear lion masks, and guests can participate in a raffle to win one of three gift certificates.
The Memorial Day program will go on rain or shine. Find more information HERE.
Village of Youngstown, Old Fort Niagara
•Old Fort Niagara's interpretive staff and volunteers and re-enacting units throughout the region will come together over Memorial Day weekend, beginning Saturday, to present "Soldiers through the Ages" at the historic landmark in Youngstown. This military timeline event traces the history of Fort Niagara from the early explorers of the 17th century through the mid-20th century. The event features special exhibits, camps, weapons and battle-tactic demonstrations.
"This event really kicks off the re-enactment season here at the fort," said Robert Emerson, executive director of Old Fort Niagara. "It's a unique chance for visitors to witness the spectrum of soldiers, weaponry, uniforms, food, vehicles and music that paraded across these historic grounds over three centuries. The event also ties in nicely with Memorial Day and honoring those who died defending our country."
Everything is included with regular admission to the fort, and is free for members of the Old Fort Niagara Association.
Old Fort Niagara is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through June, and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. in July and August. Admissions end 30 minutes before closing. Regular admission to the fort is $12 per adult, $8 per child ages 6-12, free for children 5 and under, and free to members of the Old Fort Niagara Association.
On Memorial Day, at 11 a.m., the VFW Lake Ontario Post 313 will hold a special memorial service at the historic Fort Niagara Cemetery. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.
For more information, visit www.oldfortniagara.org.
•This Memorial Day weekend, the Buffalo Philharmonic is giving back to the men and women who served in the military. All active and veteran military are invited to attend the KeyBank Pops "Swingin' Stars and Stripes" concert, free of charge, at 8 p.m. Saturday inside Kleinhan's in Buffalo.
In addition, they can purchase tickets to this concert at a 20 percent discount for family members attending with them.
The concert will be led by BPO favorite Matt Catingub, a renowned conductor and bandleader who has worked with the Hawaii Pops, Macon Pops and Glendale Pops, as well as Rosemary Clooney, Diana Krall and Dizzy Gillespie.
Vocalist Anita Hall will join him on stage. She is a versatile singer who has performed with numerous symphonies and at high-profile private events. Hall is also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and is passionate about supporting the military.
Drummer Steve Moretti, who works regularly with Catingub, has appeared on more than 30 nationally released recordings, and was seen in the film version of "Jersey Boys," will also join in the patriotic festivities.
To reserve tickets, bring proof of service to the Kleinhans box office. Reserve via phone at 716-885-5000 and bring proof of service with you on the day of the concert to obtain your tickets.
For more information about the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, visit www.bpo.org.
•The 45th annual Wilson Historical Society Memorial Day Fair will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, May 29. The fair will be held on the museum grounds, 645 Lake St., in the Town of Wilson.
A "Super Flea Market" with over 250 vendors will open the day. At noon, the American Legion will hold a special Memorial Day flag-raising ceremony on the museum grounds.
Free entertainment will be provided by the Bar Room Buzzards. The Antique Car Museum will also be open, with a special section provided for attendees to display their antique and collectible cars on the grounds for a $5 donation. Dash plaques will be provided to those who participate.
Society organizers report they will welcome back the 2-Barn-Farm pony rides, petting zoo and a bounce house for the kids.
Food is yet another favorite fairgoers can look forward to on Monday. Offerings include a Chiavetta's chicken barbecue from 10 a.m. until sold out; hot dogs and burgers; cotton candy, homemade pies, sno-cones, coffee and doughnuts; soft drinks and bottled water; plus other goodies.
The Museum Depot will be open for visitors, with exhibits and displays provided. The Caboose, Fittro Shop, One Room Schoolhouse and the Tugwell Cabin all will be open to the public.
Parking is free at the museum and in the village, with shuttle bus service provided to the event.
"Since the Wilson Historical Society is a nonprofit, volunteer organization, we wish to thank the general public for its past and present support of our annual Memorial Day Fair," said John Sinclair, president of the Wilson Historical Society.
For more information, call 716-751-9480.

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