Western New York Armed Forces Week kicks off in Buffalo, N.Y.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (05/03/2012)(readMedia)-- The Western New York Armed Forces Week Opening Ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, May 6, 2012 at 12:45 p.m. at the Erie Canal Park, adjacent to the Naval & Servicemen's Park, in Buffalo N.Y.

Hosted by the U.S. Air Force and sponsored by the Western New York Armed Forces Week Committee in cooperation with Military, Industrial, Civic and Veterans' Organizations, this 52nd annual event is a tribute to the men and women serving in the United States Armed Forces.

The Opening Ceremony is an event filled with military customs and tradition to include music by the American Legion Band of the Tonawandas, a C-130 Flyover from the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, Color Guards from throughout WNY, antique military vehicles, and a Coast Guard ceremonial cannon firing the 21-Gun Salute over the Buffalo River!

This is just the start of a weeklong celebration which includes a Luncheon on Thursday, May 10th and a Military Ball on May 12th, both held at the historic Connecticut Street Armory.

This Opening Ceremony is a Free Event, open to the public and appropriate for all ages. This event will be attended by many local leaders and dignitaries. In honor of this special event, the Naval and Servicemen's Park is offering half off on all admission prices for Sunday, May 6, 2012. The park is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Media interested in covering this event should contact the 914th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office at 716-236-2136.

We are also available to arrange any pre-event interviews with various individuals to include this year's Armed Forces Week Chairwoman Col. (Ret.) Patricia Braun as well as local service members being honored at the Military Ball event.