'We must reflect': Rome's veterans memorial park reopens
A special park in central New York honors Civil War soldiers.
Veterans Memorial Park in Rome now has a memorial engraved with the names of local residents killed in action.
Memorial Day ceremonies are nothing short of heartwarming.
It's hard not to cringe when visiting Veterans Memorial Park in Rome.
After years of planning and fundraising, a new arch, benches and lanterns welcome visitors to see the names of Romans who died in battles from the Civil War to the War on Terrorism on the new monuments.
"That was the challenge - the names - because we wanted to make sure we had the correct names on the monuments," says Michael Grogan, who was the liaison for the rededication project. "I don't know how many times we got together and went over the names on the monuments to make sure they were correct."
Grogan and his team followed up with Air Force veteran Thomas Kenealy and helped make this dedication happen. Kenealy was able to attend the event.
"It's a reminder to everyone of the sacrifices that are made so that we can live free," Grogan said. "We often forget that today. And we need to reflect on it."
Ann Cianfrocco said her uncle died during World War II. She said her family now has a place to pay tribute to his name.
"I'm honored to see it," Cianfrocco said. "Unfortunately, when the ship was bombed, the body was never found. So we have a place where we can come and honor his memory. It's a great honor and privilege. And I think we should remember the veterans who have passed away who are here now and continue to serve every day."
Marine veteran Thomas Arcuri said his uncle also died in World War II. According to him, his uncle's name is also on the list. Arcuri appreciates the honor for his uncle and is also grateful for the community's support at the ceremony.
"It's encouraging," Arcuri said. "I'd like to see more young children participate in the campaign. I wish their families would bring them here and tell them about what it means to be a veteran. I mean what it means to live in this country because of the sacrifices they made."
As beautiful as the park is during the day, organizers say it's worth visiting at night to see the monuments when they're illuminated.