Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park

Pack a face mask in your picnic basket or beach bag this Memorial Day

By Mike Desmond • May 21, 2020

The unofficial start of summer kicks off this year under pandemic rules applying to the streets, parks and beaches.

Longtime Naval Park docent dies of COVID-19

By Marian Hetherly • Mar 30, 2020

The Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park is reporting the loss of one of its longtime docents to COVID-19.

Naval Park monument will be latest to showcase 'thriving' African American cultural community

By Mike Desmond • Jan 6, 2020

A monument to African Americans who fought in America's wars is coming to the Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park. Erie County is paying part of the cost because history can be good for tourism.

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1:11

WBFO's Mike Desmond reports

Battle Within Monument pays tribute to veterans with PTSD and those who provide help

By Marian Hetherly & Mike Desmond • May 21, 2019

If you see a huge crane at Canalside Tuesday morning, it is to install a different type of monument at the Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park. "The Battle Within Monument" is an 8,000-pound steel remembrance to the 20+ veterans who die each day due to PTSD and to those available to provide help.

Sailor In Iconic WWII Photo Dies

By Matthew S. Schwartz • Feb 19, 2019

George Mendonsa, the Navy sailor whose passionate kiss in Times Square symbolized a nation's exuberance over the end of World War II, has died. He was 95.

The photographer never got the name of the sailor, but Mendonsa claimed it was him, and many experts who analyzed his facial structure came to the same conclusion.

Marching for peace at the Naval & Military Park

By Mike Desmond • Oct 22, 2018

With the National Women's March on the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. over the weekend, local supporters rallied Sunday at the Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park to oppose what they called the "Military-Industrial Complex."

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1:10

WBFO's Mike Desmond reports

African American veterans monument receives $50K boost

By Avery Schneider • Sep 5, 2018

Fundraising for the nation’s first monument to honor African American veterans across all U.S. conflicts is getting a boost from Catholic Health, and the company’s employees are being recognized the process.

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1:22

WBFO’s Avery Schneider reports.

Dance Party proceeds go towards monument

By Thomas O'Neil-White • Aug 13, 2018

Get on your good foot! The Buffalo Central Terminal is the place to be for The Buffalo Boogie and Dance Party Monday evening.

Higgins pushing for clear plans for what remains of NYPA settlement in waterfront development

By Avery Schneider • May 3, 2018

Congressman Brian Higgins is calling for solid plans for more than $90 million in funding that is headed for Buffalo’s waterfront, and he has ideas on what to do with it.

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2:32

WBFO’s Avery Schneider reports.

The new USS Little Rock arrives in Buffalo

By Michael Mroziak • Dec 4, 2017

The long-anticipated arrival of the new USS Little Rock finally came Monday morning, as the littoral combat ship arrived in the Buffalo River. The ship was greeted by hundreds of civilians and saluted by docents who stood aboard the ship's decommissioned elder counterpart.

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1:41

WBFO's Michael Mroziak reports.

Want to see the new USS Little Rock up close? There are still limited options

By Michael Mroziak • Nov 28, 2017

Although tickets to the December 16 commissioning ceremony for the new USS Little Rock in Buffalo are all taken, there are still opportunities to get a close view of the Navy's new vessel at Canalside. But be ready to undergo security screening if you visit Canalside in the days leading up to the big event.

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0:56

Mark Wozniak reports during a WBFO newscast.

USS Little Rock commissioning sold out

By Chris Caya • Nov 21, 2017

People thinking about getting tickets for next month's commissioning of the USS Little Rock LCS-9 have missed the boat. The event's organizers have suspended ticket registration.

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1:27

WBFO's Chris Caya reports

Naval Park: USS Little Rock announcement & Wall of Honor ceremony

By Angelica A. Morrison • Nov 10, 2017

The USS Little Rock LCS 9 Commissioning Committee announced the details of the arrival and commissioning of the USS Little Rock LCS-9 Friday morning at the Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park.

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0:47

Mark Wozniak reports during a WBFO newscast.

Naval Park secures additional aid for expansion

By WBFO Staff • Oct 27, 2017

A popular downtown attraction has snared public funds for an expansion that will showcase the heroic deeds of local veterans.

Dec. 16 confirmed as commissioning date for USS Little Rock

By Marian Hetherly • Oct 19, 2017

It has been a long time coming and the tentative date has moved a few times, but we now have confirmation that the new USS Little Rock will be commissioned alongside its namesake at the Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park on December 16.

VIDEO: Naval Park honors Ralph Wilson with new display

By Chris Caya • May 12, 2017

The Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park has unveiled a new display honoring former Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson Jr.

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1:25

WBFO's Chris Caya reports.

Longtime Buffalo Naval Park leader dies at 78

By Marian Hetherly • Mar 24, 2017

The Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park is planning to celebrate opening day of its 38th season and the 40th anniversary of its ships' arrival in Buffalo Saturday at 10 a.m. However, for the first time in nearly 25 years, one important person will not be present.

Buffalo's historic fireboat celebrates 116th year in service and many important roles

By Avery Schneider • Nov 12, 2016

emcotter.com / The Buffalo Fire Department

Buffalo's iconic fireboat – the Edward M. Cotter – has been defending against blazes all along the city's waterfront for over a century. This weekend, the boat’s 116th birthday was celebrated by hundreds of people. But what many of them may not know is that the boat serves as far more than just a tool for firefighters.

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1:22

WBFO’s Avery Schneider reports.

New USS Little Rock to be commissioned in Buffalo

By Chris Caya • Apr 26, 2016

An historic event is in the works for the USS. Little Rock at the Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park.

Ceremony celebrates 37th season of Naval Park

By Chris Jamele • Mar 26, 2016

The Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park officially opened for the season today.