Erie County Clerk Michael P. Kearns is proud to announce his new veterans' services initiative, the Erie County Clerk's S.A.L.U.T.E.S. Program!
Showing Appreciation, Loyalty, and Unity Towards Erie County Servicemembers
One action. Two Words. Unlimited Number of Ways to Say 'Thank You'
The Erie County Clerk's SALUTES Program is dedicated to serving and honoring our local veterans. In addition to providing veterans' services through the County Clerk's office, the SALUTES program works to facilitate partnerships between the various veterans organizations throughout Western New York. Below is a list of veteran services now offered through the Erie County Clerk's Office:
Thank A Vet Discount Program
As a way to say 'thank you' to our veterans, the 'Thank A Vet' Discount Program offers discounts to over 1,400 local businesses throughout Erie County. Upon filing your discharge papers at the County Clerk's Office, veterans can apply to receive a complimentary photo vendor card, which merchants across the county have promised to honor upon presentation. Veterans must live in Erie County and be honorably discharged from the military. Original discharge papers must be presented and filed. No copies can be accepted.
To learn more about the “Thank A Vet” Discount Program and view a list of participating businesses, visit the Thank A Vet Discount Program page.
Veterans
Veterans, have you ever considered filing your ORIGINAL DD-214 / Discharge papers in the Erie County Clerk's Office? Original discharge papers are proof of your military service and can be used to establish eligibility for a variety of benefits including property tax exceptions, civil service credits, and if you are planning to be buried in any of the National Cemeteries, your heirs will need your DD-214.
Filling your discharge or separation papers is free of charge, and certified copies of recorded papers are made, free of charge, for veterans or their immediate families whenever needed.
Also, by recording your original DD-214 papers with the Erie County Clerk's Office, you are now eligible to receive the "Thank A Vet" Discount Card. This complimentary program is a way to recognize the veterans in our community for their service and sacrifice.
Honoring the Fallen - Gold Star Families Discount Program
A discount program designed for Gold Star Families, Honoring the Fallen provides support from our community for the mother, father, and spouse of a soldier killed in action. Local businesses are encouraged to partner with the Clerk's Office to offer discounts by honoring the complimentary ID card given to each family. The Erie County Clerk's Office is proud to partner with the American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. on this initiative. Learn how to become a participating business.
William J. Donovan Purple Heart Recipients Book of Merit
Please note, the 2025 Book of Merit is complete! Any new applications received will be entered into the 2026 Book of Merit. Thank you!
Named after Buffalo native William J. Donovan—known as the “Father of American Intelligence”—the William J. Donovan Purple Heart Recipients Book of Merit honors Purple Heart veterans from Erie County. Donovan was a World War I veteran and a recipient of the Purple Heart.
The Book of Merit contains the names of Erie County veterans who have been awarded the Purple Heart and is permanently displayed in the Erie County Clerk’s Office.
Purple Heart veterans from Erie County, or their surviving family members, may request inclusion in the Book of Merit by submitting an online request or by downloading and mailing a completed application form to:
Erie County Clerk’s Office
Attention: SALUTES Program
92 Franklin Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
To be included in the 2026 edition and recognized at next year’s ceremony, requests must be submitted by July 24, 2026.
National Purple Heart Day is observed annually on August 7.
Recognition of Honorable Service Certificate
We want to recognize the service of all our Erie County veterans here at the County Clerk's Office. If you have a loved one who has passed and served in the military and would like an Honorable Service Certificate to commemorate their service, please contact the County Clerk's Office at 716-858-6787.
Purple Heart Combat Wounded Designated Parking Spaces
(Through Wounded Warriors Family Support)
To honor and recognize our Purple Heart veterans, designated parking spots throughout Erie County are reserved for our combat-wounded veterans. If you are interested in putting a Purple Heart Parking Spot at your business or location, please contact the Erie County Clerk's Office at 716-858-4500.
Current Businesses and Municipalities in Erie County with Reserved Parking Spaces:
- Boston Town Hall
- Evans Senior Center
- Lackawanna City Hall
- MDS Associates
- VFW Post 735
- West Seneca Town Hall
- Western New York Federal Credit Union
- Elma Town Hall
- Erie County Auto Bureau- Derby Branch
The Erie County Clerk's Office is proud to collaborate with the following veterans organizations throughout Western New York: