WEST SENECA, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Over one hundred people gathered Saturday at Saint Matthews Cemetery in West Seneca to pay their respects and make sure those who served are never forgotten.
A simple gesture went a long way to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. At Saint Matthews, rows of wreaths can be seen throughout the field of valor for National Wreaths Across America Day.
The dedicated day strives to place a wreath on the grave of every veteran at over 4,600 locations across all 50 states.
Community members placed the wreaths on 460 gravesites at Saint Matthews.
"Even with this weather that we have, but they're here and they're supporting us veterans,” said Gregory Szarpa, a Navy and Air Force Reserve veteran. “For a long time we weren't respected, we weren't acknowledged, and now we are, so that's great."
The wreaths serve as symbols of appreciation to those who have served.
“It is important that we support our veterans and to keep that tradition of why a veteran does what they have done," said Barbara Bakowski, a retired lieutenant colonel. "Also to teach our children and to respect them and the sacrifices they made, as well as their families."
Szarpa said the act of placing the wreaths is a wonderful feeling. For the event's first year, there were around 30 attendees. Last year, 100 people attended and now, Szarpa said there was well over 150 people in attendance on Saturday.
Each person took a moment to say the name of the veteran, salute them and honor their legacies.
"Tying it in with the holidays coming up and again, that they are not forgotten and that they're in our hearts," Bakowski said.
Sarah Minkewicz is an Emmy-nominated reporter and Buffalo native who has been a part of the News 4 team since 2019. Follow Sarah on Twitter @SarahMinkewicz and click here to see more of her work.
