EMPIRE STATE WALK
Walking the Empire State Trail for the benefit of American Legion Post 44, Malverne N.Y.
Buffalo to Montauk — One Step at a Time Across New York State
700 miles.
100% OF DONATIONS BENEFIT AMERICAN LEGION POST 44 · MALVERNE, NY
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American Legion Post 44 has served Malverne, NY veterans and the community since 1929, when its Auxiliary (Unit 44) was chartered — followed by the Sons of the American Legion in 1934. Based on Franklin Avenue, the Post has long been a pillar of local civic life. Today, it hosts the annual Law & Order Night honoring police, fire, and emergency services, and helps organize Malverne’s Veterans Day and Memorial Day parades.
THE WALKER
One Man. One Mission.
Don Pupke is walking the length of New York State — roughly 700 miles from Buffalo to Montauk — to raise funds and awareness for American Legion Post 44 in Malverne, NY. The American Legion is the nation’s largest veterans’ organization, founded in 1919 to support those who served and the communities around them.
For Don, this walk is personal: his parents met at a dance at Post 44 decades ago, a place that’s been woven into his family’s story ever since. Now, covering roughly 15 miles a day along the historic Erie Canal route, he’s honoring that legacy — and the veterans who served our country — as America celebrates its 250th birthday.
FROM THE ROAD
Latest Trail Updates
First Steps from Buffalo
The journey begins at Buffalo Harbor State Park on Lake Erie. The Empire State trail goes from here to lower Manhattan. From there the walk continues 125 miles across the length if Long Island to its easternmost tip, Montauk Point. 700 miles of history, community, and purpose.The Famous Five Locks
Lockport's legendary staircase locks on the Erie Canal—an engineering marvel from 1825.
Canal Towns & Diners
Passing through historic Medina, known for its beautiful sandstone buildings. Lots of lical history. This was a stop on the Underground railroad, people helping to free slaves in the 1850's and 1860's.
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