Western New York is home to one of the largest concentrations of veterans, so Explore & More and the Buffalo Naval Park teamed up to honor our local heroes.
They created a display with pictures of veterans that hang on display at the museum through November and then move to the Naval Park for their 2021 season.
"A big part of our mission is education and play and fun, so we have been trying to marry the two of honoring veterans and we have been doing story times read by people at the Naval Park," said Explore and More representative Jess Basil. "Reading stories about veterans and local heroes and how they are a part of our community and make our lives so much better."
Veterans will also get free admission on Wednesday to enter Explore & More. This is in addition to the free admission the museum gives active military members and their families year-round as they are a Blue Star museum.
Explore & More is also hosting toiletry drive for the 914th at the Niagara Falls Airbase. They are collecting items like shampoo, soap and more to send care packages to active military deployed overseas. The museum is holding this within conjunction with National Fuel.
"As the hometown energy team, National Fuel is invested in fueling the lives of our community, especially our local veterans," said National Fuel spokeswoman Emily Ciraolo.
"We’re grateful not only to those who have served and are serving, but to those who stand alongside them. We recognize the importance of our military families and we are committed to supporting them. That’s why we are proud to partner with Explore & More to enable its Blue Star Museum status. To our veterans, those currently serving, and all of their families, we honor you today and every day."
Anyone can drop items off at Explore & More. They can also purchase items through their wish list on Amazon. The items will then be delivered for you.