Route 49 Designated Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway [VIDEO]

Route 49 from Utica to Rome is now known as the Oneida County "Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway."

A parade, ceremony and sign unveiling were held Monday morning.

The effort to designate the highway was spearheaded in the state Legislature by Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi and Senator Joseph Griffo.

Officials attending the ceremony included New York Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul.  Hochul took part in a wreath laying ceremony along with American Gold Star Mother Mary Wheeler.

Joe Fraccola, Director of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Utica Chapter 944, says he's so happy that Vietnam Veterans had the opportunity to march in parade and be honored the way they should have been many, many years ago.

More than 58,000 Americans died in the Vietnam War, including 68 Oneida County residents.  This year marks the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the Vietnam War.