News, Tours & Events
Special Events at Forest Lawn
47th Annual Millard Fillmore Commemoration Event
January 6th, 2012 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
The public is invited to join the University at Buffalo, the Buffalo Club and Forest Lawn to commemorate President Millard Fillmore's 212th birthday (1/7/1800) at a special ceremony to be held at President Fillmore's grave in Section F of Forest Lawn. The ceremony will include the laying of several wreaths - including one from the White House - a memorial address by Scott Weber, Vice Provost and Dean for Undergraduate Education of the University at Buffalo, and a few other traditions. All are invited to Forest Lawn's historic chapel for a reception following the ceremony, which will include a small exhibit of Fillmore artifacts, courtesy of the Buffalo Presidential Center.
Wreaths Across America
On Saturday, December 10, Forest Lawn placed 65 holiday wreaths at significant locations throughout the cemetery as part of the national event, Wreaths Across America. Forest Lawn was the only cemetery in Erie County selected to be the beneficiary of donations received by the local organizing committee for wreaths to be placed during today’s National Remembrance Ceremony. In addition to seven ceremonial wreaths that were placed in Forest Lawn’s Field of ValorSM to honor the U.S. Army; U.S. Navy; U.S. Marine Corps; U.S. Air Force; U.S. Coast Guard; U.S. Merchant Marines and POW/MIA, 58 wreaths were also placed at significant graves and/or monuments. Click here for the map/handout indicating where each wreath was placed.
Veterans Day Commemorative Ceremony & Service
Please join us for the Erie County American Legion's annual Veterans Day Commemorative Ceremony and Service on Friday, November 11, 2011. At 8:30 a.m., Boy Scouts will place flags on the graves of veterans interred in Forest Lawn's Field of Valor and in the Erie County American Legion section. At 9:00 a.m., the service will begin at the American Legion monument near the Main Street gate and will include an invocation, recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, placing of wreaths, gun salute, blowing of Taps and more. This event is free and open to the public.
Click here for the ceremony agenda. Click here to view photos from this event.
National Preservation Conference
Forest Lawn was pleased to be a part of the National Preservation Conference held, for the first time, in Buffalo, NY. Attendees visited the cemetery during the All Wright, All Day tour, the Buffalo By Bike tour (which turned into a tour on Forest Lawn's new trolley!) and the Art & Architecture tour. In addition, Forest Lawn docents were pleased to participate in the Candlelight Tour of Homes. Click here to see photos of this wonderful week-long event!
Sunday In The Cemetery Chapel Concert & Lecture Series
Join us for our third annual concert and lecture series in our historic 1882 chapel. From October through April, we'll entertain and enlighten you with wonderful speakers and engaging entertainment! All events are held on Sundays and begin at 2:00 p.m. - and they sell out quickly! To reserve your seats - at just $15 per person per event - call the office at 716.885.1600.
Click here for the full schedule of events.
9-11 Remembrance Ceremony
Join us on the tenth anniversary of the day our nation changed forever for a poignant ceremony. This event, which begins at 8:30 a.m., is geared toward families, and will include the tolling of our historic bell from the former St. Joseph's Cathedral once for each of the many innocent people who lost their lives in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. on September 11, 2001. Guests will also be invited to help place carnations for each of the victims in a special flower ceremony. There will be brief comments as well as a moment of silence. This ceremony will take place just inside the Delaware Avenue gates. This event is free and open to the public. No reservations necessary. All are welcome. If you can't join us, watch the ceremony live via webcam right here on our website. Click here to view photos of the 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony
Muster In The Meadow Civil War Event
Muster In The Meadow is Forest Lawn’s annual day-long, family-oriented Civil War lifetime learning experience. Utilizing educational and entertaining events, exhibits, re-enactors and more, Muster In The Meadow celebrates the rich and diverse history of our country and its people in a unique setting, Forest Lawn, which is the great equalizer for all segments of society. Free Admission; Family Friendly. Click here to view photos from Muster In The MeadowSM 2011.
Memorial Day
Each year on Memorial Day, the public is invited to join Forest Lawn Cemetery and the Erie County American Legion for a very special ceremony to honor, recognize and salute veterans. Veterans' graves will be decorated with flags beginning at 8:00 a.m., followed by services at 9:00 a.m. near the Spanish-American War monument near the Main Street Gate. Free and open to the public; reservations not required. Click here to view photos from our 2011 Ceremony.
Click here to view photos from Citizen Airman, the official magazine of the Air Force Reserve.
Flag Retirement Ceremony
The public is invited to join the Greater Niagara Frontier Council Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of Western New York, Erie County American Legion, Buffalo Professional Firefighters and Rotary Club of Buffalo for our annual Flag Retirement Ceremony at the gravesite of Sara Hinson at Forest Lawn Cemetery. It’s the reverent and respectful way for Western New York residents to retire/burn their flags. New flags of various sizes will be available for purchase with proceeds to benefit the Greater Niagara Frontier Council of Scouts and the Forest Lawn Heritage Foundation. Free Admission; Family Friendly. The ceremony is held each year on the Sunday before Flag Day. Click here to view photos of our 2011 Flag Retirement Ceremony.
Check our Calendar for specific dates and times for these events!
