ROME TOWNSHIP — A tribute to veterans was offered Wednesday at the Wyngate at RiversEdge.

Zac Arrowood, residence manager for the facility, said the annual event is for both residents and the public who served in the armed forces.

“It’s to celebrate both veterans in our community and the Proctorville community,” he said. “It’s to honor those who have served our country and those who lost their lives during service.”

Several members of the facility’s residents have served in the military and were seated at the front for the event.

The ceremony opened with members of the American Legion Post 16 Honor Guard raising the American flag, which was promptly saluted by the veterans.

The Legion members then conducted a rifle salute, followed by the playing of “Taps.”

Greg Creasy, of the clergy for Hospice of Huntington, led the gathering in prayer.

“We give thanks for the devotion and courage of all who served in the military,” he said. “We thank you for their lives.”

Fairland High School’s choir was on hand, and sang a medley of patriotic songs, including “Stars and Stripes Forever” and “You’re a Grand Old Flag.”

Melanie Hall, the president and CEO of Hospice of Huntington, shared her gratitude with the veterans in attendance.

“We thank you for answering the call of duty and you who have made our forces the most admired in the world,” she said.

U. S. Rep. Bill Johnson, R-Ohio, was unable to attend because of a scheduling conflict with another Veterans Day event. His field representative, Juli Stephens was there in his place and read a letter of thanks to the veterans from Johnson, before the service concluded with the choir students singing “God Bless America.”