Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - "Buffalonians, we're tough people. We take care of our own."
With those words, Medal of Honor recipient David Bellavia proudly wore his stunning blue award around his neck and accepted honors from city leaders in Buffalo.
First, Bellavia was the recipient of a proclamation in Buffalo Common Council chambers and later moved down to the second floor office of Mayor Byron Brown for a proclamation. Mayor Brown read from the proclamation that declares Tuesday, November 19, 2019 as David Bellavia Day.
"Some of those guys I expected to get swung at by", quipped Bellavia as he emerged from the council ceremony and talked with reporters in the hallway. Bellavia was joking about his politics which often are at odds with many elected leaders in city hall. Those differences were nowhere to be found during the appearances by Bellavia as he posed for photos with a handful of elected officials and numerous city hall workers who came out to see an American hero.
David Bellavia Honors in Buffalo Common Council Chambers