I realize I’m a little late with this post – it probably should have gone out last Sunday since Veterans Day was on Monday. But it’s never too late to honor our veterans.
This year, I got to show my appreciation by spending a day on the deck of the USS The Sullivans (DD-537), scraping and painting. The Naval & Military Park brings back countless memories; for eight years I spent time in its vicinity, watching it grow and transform day after day. Couple that with my military upbringing, you can see why this place has a special place in my heart.
“We stick together” was the motto of the five Sullivan brothers, who tragically died together aboard the USS Juneau (CL-52) in the South Pacific on November 13, 1942. In their memory, the Fletcher-class destroyer USS DD-537, one of the most important classes of U.S. destroyers used during World War II, was renamed The Sullivans in 1965, after being decommissioned.
In 1977, the ship made its journey to Buffalo via the Saint Lawrence Seaway, becoming a permanent part of the city’s waterfront. Buffalo’s location on the Great Lakes, combined with the community’s strong commitment to honoring veterans, made it the perfect home for this historic treasure. Since then, the Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park has grown into a beloved historical site, welcoming thousands of visitors every year.
Watch the Sullivans’ story here.
And if you feel inspired, consider supporting the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park in your own way.