Buffalo—On Saturday, November 10 more than one-hundred CSEA members and invited guests braved chilly temperatures to attend the annual CSEA Western Region Veterans Day Ceremony held at the Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park. The event was sponsored by the Western Region Veterans Committee. The event and committee is chaired by Amy Owczarczak from Erie County Local 815, who is also a Reservist for the United States Air Force stationed in Niagara Falls.
Western Region Veterans Committee member and Region VP Timothy Finnigan served as Master of Ceremonies. CSEA Western Region President Kathy Button and attendees paid tribute to the many men and women who have selflessly served and continue to serve our country in the name of freedom.
President Button reminded those in the audience there are many veterans among the CSEA membership who have served in various capacities in the armed services while some who are still presently serving as reservists. Several speakers praised the Western Region Vets Committee for their outstanding contributions to improving the quality of life for all veterans who call Western New York home.
The scheduled program was ambitious– complete with a 21-gun salute from the VFW 1419 out of Hamburg, NY, laying of the wreath, a carnation dedication in memory of veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice, the American Flag Folding Ceremony and speeches from invited guests and local dignitaries.
Western Region Veterans Committee would like to thank all the elected officials who attended the event, along with bagpiper Joe Baschnagel, singer TSgt Shamiqua Mason, Audrey Sigler, Hamburg VFW Post 1419, 914 ARW Honor Guard, Niagara Falls AFB, Boy Scout Troop #138, Paula’s Donuts and the Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park.
Buffalo — On Nov. 10, the CSEA Western Region Veterans Committee held a moving tribute for our Veterans and also laid a wreath at the WNY Vietnam Veterans Memorial Monument.
Story and images
Ove Overmyer, CSEA ©2018
