ROME — This year the Rome Rotary Club and six other community service organizations placed eight wreaths donated by Greater Rome Utica Chapter-Military Officers Association of America (GRUC-MOAA) in front of the chapel at historic Wright Settlement Cemetery to honor the veterans interred there who served their nation in war and peace.

Guest Speaker Chris Tyrlik, of the Daughters of the American Revolution Fort Stanwix Chapter, provided remarks on the founder of Wright Settlement, Lt. Ebenezer Wright, a veteran of the Revolution.

The Rotary was joined by the following organizations and clubs: Ft. Stanwix Chapter DAR, Rome Lions Club, Rome Free Academy Interact Club, Oneida Baptist Church, St. Paul’s Veterans Group, and Cub Scout Pack 50.

Lowering the U.S. flag at the completion of the Dec. 17 observance were: Christopher Colgan, cemetery trustee; Cameron Stewart, Rome Rotary president-elect; David Burke, Rome Rotary Club treasurer; and Pastor Terrance Brown, Oneida Baptist Church.

The eight wreaths were in remembrance of veterans who served in the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, U.S. Merchant Marines, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, and a special wreath for the 91,129 veterans of all services whose last know status was POW (Prisoner of War) or MIA (Missing In Action).