AUBURN - Local officials honored veterans of all eras Wednesday morning in downtown Auburn.

But new memorials received much of the attention during the Veterans Day ceremony at city hall.

Multiple speakers celebrated at the city's annual event the recent decision to name Route 38 the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway of Valor. Also announced at the ceremony was a new scholarship fund for former Cayuga County resident Jerome Bell Jr., a Marine sergeant who was killed last year in Afghanistan.

Gathering on the south lawn of Memorial City Hall, spectators stood next to the newly named stretch of road that includes Auburn's South Street.

Larry Wilt, local director of veterans services and a speaker at the ceremony, acknowledged Veterans Memorial Park on Genesee Street and called it “second to none.” But the state's recognition of Vietnam veterans through the highway is a long time coming, he told the crowd.

Wilt, who joined the Air Force near the end of that conflict, said servicemen and women had to keep a “low profile” after returning home. But things have changed, he said.

“Vietnam vets fought hard and long to get their recognition,” said Wilt, who acknowledged that Korean War Veterans did after the “forgotten war,” as well.

“We have changed society, and hopefully that will continue so everyone gets the recognition they deserve,” he said.

Route 38 runs from Sterling to Owego, and signs will soon be installed to recognize the new title. State officials celebrated the memorial highway during an event in Victory Wednesday.

The proposal to rename the highway originally came from Victory resident Lauren Dates and the state Legislature had to approve the name to make it official.

Cayuga County Treasurer James Orman also discussed the route's meaning to Vietnam veterans. An Air Force veteran as well, Orman served three tours of duty after enlisting in 1966.

During his talk, he said this country has shown the ability to adapt and overcome through its entire history.

Vietnam, Orman said, continues to evoke emotions and feelings from anyone associated with it. When he returned home in December 1969, the wind chill was below zero, but the public reception was even chillier, he said.

“Finally, what we fought for in Vietnam is being recognized,” Orman said.

A recently fallen veteran was also recognized Wednesday, and will be remembered in a less tangible, but just as real, way.

Matthew Cheche, of Cheche Funeral Home, announced the formation of the Jerome Bell Scholarship Fund. The new scholarship will give two, $1,000 scholarships every year to students looking into careers in heavy equipment maintenance, he said.

Bell was killed in September 2008 while serving in Afghanistan when his vehicle struck a roadside explosive. He was a Port Byron High School graduate.

Cheche, who helped the Bells establish the fund, said the family has a gold star in their home “tragically earned” by their son's sacrifice. Members of Bell's family were present at the ceremony.

The scholarship is a way to “keep the young man ... in our hearts, and ultimately help heal the empty spots in his parents' lives,” Cheche said.

The Veterans Day ceremony took place at 11 a.m., signifying the signing of the Armistice ending World War I - on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

Opening the ceremony was the ringing of the bell above city hall, which rang 11 times. The event ended with a rifle volley and the playing of TAPS. The Auburn Civic Band played patriotic songs before and after.

For Andrew Rapp, originally from Groton, the ceremony was a way to recognize those who served before him. An Army corporal, Rapp returned in September from a tour of duty at Camp Bucca, Iraq.

Rapp was recognized during the ceremony and a number of attendees thanked him and shook his hand afterward.

Veterans groups are always looking for younger members to continue the legacy, he said.

“I need to come out and show a little support,” Rapp said.

Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net.