Vietnam Memorial Replica Arrives in Cheektowaga for Tribute

A replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, known as The Moving Wall, will arrive in Cheektowaga, New York, on September 29, 2025. This half-size version of the iconic memorial will be transported via motorcade to Pine Lawn Cemetery, located at 2951 Harlem Road. An opening ceremony is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. that evening, highlighting the importance of honoring those who served.

Alongside The Moving Wall, the Gold Stars Tribute Wall will be featured, paying homage to soldiers who lost their lives in the Gulf, Iraq, and Afghanistan wars. Following the ceremony, both memorials will remain open for public viewing around the clock until 6 p.m. on the following Monday. Attendees are encouraged to bring nonperishable food donations to support local veterans in need throughout the weekend.

In other news, a notable achievement has emerged from the education sector. Alexandra Snabon-Jun, a graduate of Frontier Central High School in Hamburg, has been named the 2026 Nevada State Teacher of the Year. Currently serving as the only music teacher at Tyrone Thompson Elementary School in Las Vegas, she leads two choirs and produces full-scale musicals, showcasing her dedication to the arts.

On the topic of sustainability, Sarah Herbst, the global sustainable sourcing manager for Rich Products, will be featured in the free online Imagine Greater Buffalo lecture series. The event is set for 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, and interested participants can join via Zoom at us02web.zoom.us/j/85986903765. Additionally, author and paranormal specialist Mason Winfield will present “Spirits of the Niagara” at the Buffalo History Museum at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, with tickets priced at $12—free for museum members.

The Orchard Park Garden Club will meet at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday at the Orchard Park American Legion Post, focusing on topics related to reuse and recycling. The meeting will also feature an auction of garden and design-related items.

For those seeking an evening of entertainment, the Holland Land Office Museum is hosting a Murder Mystery Dinner Theater, set against the backdrop of the 1901 Pan American Exposition. The event will take place at 6 p.m. on Saturday at the Batavia Country Club, with tickets available for $75. More information and ticket purchases can be found at hollandlandoffice.com.

In a heartwarming celebration, Mildred Towkacz marked her 105th birthday on Saturday with family, friends, music, and cake. A resident of Brookdale Niagara in North Tonawanda, she was born Mildred D. Ackerman in Buffalo and has lived a full life, working at Woolworth’s and raising three children. A widow since 1981, she enjoys reading, crocheting, participating in a drum circle, and cheering for her favorite sports team, the Buffalo Bills.

Finally, several individuals are celebrating birthdays this week, including Janne Siren, Stephanie Miller, and Chris Bogan. For more local news updates, readers can subscribe to the newsletter delivered straight to their inbox.