Carl Olander, commander of the Celoron Legion; Vern Brown, manager of the Celoron Legion; and George Patti, owner of Signature Paving & Sealcoating Inc. are pictured standing in the new Wounded Warriors parking space outside the Celoron Legion. Photo by Mallery Rockwell

CELORON — In its continued effort to support local veterans, the Celoron American Legion Post 777 has dedicated one of its parking spaces to the Wounded Warrior Project.

The purple parking spaces can be found at various locations across the country, securing previously injured veterans with designated parking spots. The Legion’s motivation to implement the parking spots aligns with goals of the nonprofit organization, Wounded Warrior Project, which supports veterans and service members who suffered a physical or mental injury, illness, or wound during military service on or after Sept. 11, 2001.

The Celoron American Legion Post 777, located on 26 Jackson Ave., is the first veteran’s post to have a Wounded Warrior parking spot in Chautauqua County.

George Patti, Bob Apperson and Bill Caruso from Signature Paving & Sealcoating Inc. worked together to create the parking spot donated to benefit the Wounded Warriors. After the Wounded Warrior stencil was made, they painted and sealed the design onto the parking spot. Carl Olander, Commander of the Celoron American Legion, said that the installation of the parking spot signifies a great effort toward supporting veterans.

“Everything we do is for the veterans,” Olander said.

A few other non-veteran facilities have Wounded Warrior parking spots located throughout Chautauqua County, including the Chautauqua Mall.