WBFO Veterans News Desk

Ceremonies were held throughout Western New York on Monday, marking Veterans Day. It was 100 years ago on November 11, one year after the signing of the Armistice to end World War I, that the United States first set aside a day to honor the veterans of "The Great War." WBFO visited one of the ceremonies held Monday, at Salvatore's Patriots and Heroes Park in Williamsville.

Native Americans have played an important role in the US military and despite a contentious relationship with the federal government, their service in America's armed forces outpaces other groups. Why would Indian men and women sacfrifice so much for the very government that took their homelands? 

The answer is something called "the Warrior Tradition", which is also the name of a  WNED-produced documentary which debuts nationwide on PBS tonight and pays tribute to their stories, their culutre and heritage. 

Suicide, and an increase in adults committing it, is a growing concern among mental health professionals. Military veterans are among those who end their lives each day. A recently-released U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs report offers mixed trends over a 12-year period.

A South Buffalo native who was captured by the Japanese during World War II and died while still in captivity will finally be interred in Western New York, decades later. The remains of Coast Guard Lieutenant Thomas James Eugene Crotty, known by friends and loved ones as "Jimmy," were returned Friday in a solemn ceremony at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.

Syracuse University's Institute for Veterans and Military Families program is bringing a three-day workshop to Buffalo, which begins today, that develops and encourages women veterans and wives of veterans as small business entrepreneurs.

State Assemblyman David DiPietro unveiled propsed legislation Thursday that, if passed, would result in free dental coverage for all military veterans living in New York State.

The National Commander of the American Legion is in Buffalo for one of his many regional visits. While in town, Bill Oxford was shown a tour of the ongoing World War One exhibit inside the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library's downtown central branch. He also sat one-on-one with WBFO.

A Buffalo native who now serves as Commandant of the Naval District in Washington, D.C. is in Western New York, where he will help welcome 20 new sailors into the Navy during his stay.

Dozens of local veterans have expressed their stories - and the private battles they are still fighting - by creating images and words now available for public viewing in Buffalo's Market Arcade.

College students have settled in for the fall semester and among them are many who first served in the U.S. military. When veterans enter college, they bring a unique perspective while also facing unique challenges. Most Western New York colleges and universities either have some form of veterans office, student veteran organization or provide links to services. WBFO visited one local college to learn more about veterans on campus.

This weekend, the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station will welcome back many to the installation who, 50 years prior, were welcomed back after serving in Vietnam.

Today is the annual observance of Purple Heart Day in the United States. First created by George Washington on August 7, 1782, it's the world's oldest military decoration currently being used. Many veterans and families of deceased veterans who are owed this medal, however, must often undergo a painstaking process to acquire the deserved medal.

He earned a Purple Heart medal three times during his military service. They were delivered to him by mail. Monday morning, at the Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park, Army Sgt. 1st Class William "Roland" Hayes was presented with all his due decorations in a more dignified ceremony. He was also recognized for the battles he fought on two fronts, including one within the ranks.

David Bellavia, who last month became the first living Iraq War veteran to be presented with the Medal of Honor, was honored Tuesday in Batavia. He spoke of the importance of the nation's military and of the America he has observed while on an outreach tour for the U.S. Army.

A local Vietnam War veteran was presented Monday with several decorations for his service, honors owed to him for roughly five decades.

A new website launched Tuesday morning is encouraging local Medal of Honor recipient David Bellavia to run for Congress. Bellavia previously ran for New York’s 27th congressional seat in 2012, but does this mean another run in 2020 is on the horizon?

One of the three decommissioned vessels which rest in the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park is in need of hull repairs. Earlier this year, a $2 million fundraising campaign was announced to fix the USS The Sullivans. The granddaughter of one of the men for whom the ship was named recently chatted with WBFO to provide an update on that effort.

The Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 has been signed into law by President Trump. It extends benefts to veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange while serving on ships off the coast of Vietnam. The co-sponsor of the bill, Rep. Brian Higgins (D-Buffalo), talked with WBFO's Howard Riedel about the measure, Wednesday's Democratic Presidential debate and other issues top of mind this week.