WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. -- A local philanthropist is honoring Western New Yorkers who died fighting for our country.
Russell Salvatore unveiled the Gold Star Memorial Marker in Williamsville on Saturday.
The Marker is the newest addition to Salvatore's "Patriot's and Heroes Park" on Transit Road. He said the term "Gold Star" is a reference to traditional service flags given to military families.
The flag included a blue star symbolizing current service members. If those military members were to die in combat, the blue star would be replaced with a gold one.
"It's the first one being dedicated in New York State under the national garden club program. Only two clubs in the nation were allowed the honor so far to put a marker up,” said Gail McGee, Bowmansville garden club member.
The "Patriots and Heroes Park" also includes tributes to the Unknown Soldier and the victims of Flight 3407.