Buffalo community honors Black Veteran’s Day

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – Acting mayor of Buffalo Chris Scanlon signed a proclamation that marks Thursday as Black Veteran’s Day, the second time this holiday is being honored in the city.

According to the proclamation, the Black Veteran’s Day committee’s goal is to establish Nov. 7 as an international day of commemoration and honor for the sacrifice and bravery of the Black soldiers who fought as a means for freedom here in America and for their respective countries around the world.

The day is honored on Nov. 7 because of a proclamation that was issued in 1775. The proclamation gave freedom to slaves who agreed to join the British army. Thousands of enslaved people enlisted and as a result, Black people were soon able to join the military ranks in the U.S.

Buffalo is continuing the new tradition of beginning Black Veteran’s Day at the Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park. Volunteers wash the bricks at the African American Veterans Monument to show their respect.

Chairman of the Black Veteran’s Day committee Dewitt Lee encourages everyone to stop by the monument and is leaving cleaning supplies for those who wish to support.