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 complementary 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 our 'Thank A Vet' Discount program and for a list of participating businesses, click here.
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. Click Here for more information on Veterans information.
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 complementary 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. Click Here for more information on how to become a participating business.
William J. Donovan Purple Heart Recipients Book of Merit
Please note, the 2024 Book of Merit is in process! All new applications received on or after July 31, 2024 will be entered into the 2025 Book of Merit. Thank you!
Named after the Buffalo native who is known as the 'Father of American Intelligence', Donovan was a World War I veteran and recipient of the Purple Heart. The William J. Donovan Purple Heart Recipients Book of Merit will contain the names of Purple Heart veterans from Erie County. Purple Heart veterans in Erie County who wish to be added to the Book of Merit can do so online by clicking here or download this form and submit by mail to:
Erie County Clerk's Office, Attention: SALUTES Program, 92 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY 14202
The William J. Donovan Purple Heart Recipients Book of Merit is on permanent display in the Erie County Clerk's Office.
Deadline Date: Veterans who were awarded the Purple Heart or their surviving family members are to submit their request to his office by July 25, 2025 in order to be added to the 2025 edition and be part of next year’s ceremony.
National Purple Heart Day is recognized every year on August 7th.
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 that has passed and had 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
The Erie County Clerk's Office is proud to collaborate with the following veterans organizations throughout Western New York:
Veterans One-Stop Center of WNY
Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park
Erie County Veterans Services
WNY Veterans Housing Coalition
Military Order of the Purple Heart 187
American Gold Star Mothers, Inc.