The Operation
50 Run project is an effort to raise awareness and essential
funding to erect a memorial on the Buffalo Waterfront dedicated to all WNY
residents who have served our country in support of the wars in Iraq &
Afghanistan. The Memorial will pay special reverence to the more
than 50 local Heroes who lost their lives in service to our country.
Over the next nine months veterans and caring citizens will
join the effort to run 50 miles in honor of these Heroes and the sacrifices
they and their families have endured. You can see a schedule of runs by clicking here.
The memorial, created by USMC – Vietnam Veteran and Artist
Ralph Sirianni, will consist of two brown granite structures. The first – an offset shape of an “I”
representing Iraq with the second – an offset “A” – representing the
mountains of Afghanistan.
An inscription at the base will recognize all Western New
York residents who have served in these missions. Both will bear the names of the residents
of the Western counties who have died as a result of the wars.
To assist the fundraising effort, WNY Veterans Housing Coalition, Inc. is
sponsoring the donation site and gathering the funds for a streamlined
system. That site can be viewed here. Other donations can be made via check or
money order payable to WNY Veterans Housing Coalition – WNY Iraq/Afghanistan
Memorial and mailed to WNY
Veterans Housing Coalition – 1416 Main Street – Buffalo, New York 14209 – ATTN:
WNY Iraq/Afghanistan Memorial.
To learn more about
the Memorial and the Operation 50 Run, you can go to the website or to the Facebook page or contact Dan Frontera by calling 716-491-7901 or by email.
