New York State Senator Timothy Kennedy gave a proclamation on behalf of the state Senate.

“So many western New York families have been defined by their active military service, so with great regard we recognize all of those families and veterans,” Kennedy said.

Cmdr. Christopher McCurry, executive officer of Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Pittsburgh, attended the opening ceremony as a guest speaker and administered the oath of enlistment for 21 future Sailors.

“On behalf of all those serving in the Navy today, thank you for hosting us here in Buffalo,” McCurry said. “Right now the men and women of your Navy are serving proudly and well throughout the world, defending your freedom and all that we hold dear here at home. They are our mothers and fathers, our sons and daughters, our brothers and our sisters. They are deployed across the globe as a living tribute to Buffalo and communities like it throughout the United States.”

Navy weeks are designed to show the investment Americans have made in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence. Navy Week participants can look forward to a lineup of activities including the Navy’s Virtual reality simulator, the “Nimitz,” which is on display throughout the week.

The Buffalo Museum of Science will host a panel of midshipmen from the US Naval Academy for a discussion of Naval Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics June 16.

Several virtual events, webinars, and a veterans photography contest are also scheduled throughout the week-long celebration, which will conclude with the Thunder on the Buffalo Waterfront Air Show June 19-20.

Navy Weeks are the service’s signature outreach program, enabling the Navy to build and strengthen ties to the community. Navy Week Buffalo gives the community an opportunity to interact with and learn about the Navy, its people and its importance to national security. Navy Weeks are coordinated by the Navy Office of Community Outreach.