Trees to memorialize the War of 1812

Posted July 2, 2012  by BUFFALO NEWS

Lawn chairs and blankets will be welcomed in the Delaware Park Meadow on Friday for a free concert by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and a ceremony marking the War of 1812.

The family-friendly event is part of the ongoing commemoration of the War of 1812 bicentennial and includes a fireworks display, a parade on Ring Road with military veterans and first responders, and a release of doves.

The activities begin at 5:30 p.m. with the parade, followed by a performance by the Haudenosaunee dancers from the Seneca Nation of Indians and a flyover of two C-130s from the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.

Other activities include: words of remembrance from members of the interfaith community; a performance of taps; renditions of the U.S. and Canadian anthems; and comments from the Canadian consul general and local and state officials.

Thomas Herrera-Mischler, president of the Olmsted Parks Conservancy, will announce a tree program in the Delaware Park Meadow in which people can purchase trees in honor of 300 American soldiers from the War of 1812, whose remains were buried in the golf course. Philanthropist and restaurateur Russell Salvatore already has purchased two of the trees, which were planted in a May ceremony at the burial site.

About 293 trees of mixed varieties are left for purchase, said Otis Glover, chairman of the War of 1812 Bicentennial Commemoration and Celebration committee, which planned the event.

The committee includes representatives from the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, City of Buffalo, BPO, Erie County, Niagara 1812 Legacy Council, Consulate General of Canada and faith-based organizations.

For information on sponsorship or the event, contact Glover at the Olmsted Conservancy, 838-1249, Ext. 22.