On this Veterans Day 2008 today, guests witnessed the dedication of a WWII Seabees statue at FIsherman's Park in North Tonawanda.

Dorothy Darlak had a dream of honoring her husband's service to his country in WWII. After learning about the Seabees Memorial on River Road in North Tonawanda, Dorothy had an idea. Though she passed away in October 1999, the executors of her estate managed a fund which lead to the unveiling today of a bronze sculpture in honor of Dorothy's husband Joseph E. Darlak, SKI, c--a World War II Seabee, and in honor of the 350,000 men who served in the Seabees in WWII.

Sculptor Brian Porter of Lockport was present at the unveiling ceremony. His design was chosen out of the entries submitted for proposal.

With many honored guests, color guards, a military band, gun salute, a two bell ceremony, bag piper and hundreds of Veterans and citizens, the unveiling of the WWII Seabees sculpture took place to a round of applause.

Names were read as Island X-8 recognized and honored the Veterans who passed away in the last 5 years. Taps, a bell ceremony and the sound of bag pipes playing Amazing Grace followed.

This was just one of many Veteran's Day ceremonies around WNY today.