Navy ships coming to Buffalo in Sept.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Ship traffic will be picking up along Buffalo's waterfront come September as the city prepares to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, and the pivotal role Buffalo played in the war.

Local officials joined members of the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park to outline the highlights of Navy Week in Buffalo, beginning the week of September 10th. Two U.S. Navy ships, a Coast Guard cutter and a ship from Canada will be on display for the week-long celebration. It's all designed to mark the bicentennial of the War of 1812.

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said, "We sometimes forget because we don't think that we're on one of the coasts that we have a rich Naval tradition, but you go to Niagara Street and see the historical marker about the Naval yards that were there during the War of 1812. We're going to celebrate that and celebrate almost 200 years of friendship with our friends from Canada."

The Navy ships will be on display near the Buffalo Naval Park and the public is encouraged to take part in the bicentennial celebration.