Calling hours held in Rome for Lance Corporal Oleski

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Story Created: Apr 15, 2009 at 4:44 PM EST

Story Updated: Apr 15, 2009 at 5:19 PM EST

ROME, N.Y. (WKTV) - Friends, family, and others gathered in Rome Wednesday to pay their final respects to a young marine killed in the line of duty last week.

A line of small American flags lined the streets leading to the Barry Funeral Home in Rome, and color guards stood at the doors, welcoming people who knew the Floyd native, and even those who never met him.

Oleski's body arrived at Griffiss International Airport Tuesday morning to a crowd of hundreds. And as calling hours got under way at the funeral home on Thursday, everyone who arrived shared at least one thing in common - they wanted to say "thank you."

"He served our country, and I'm just grateful for that," said Zach Williamson.

"I came here just to pay respects," said B.J. Kolwaite. "He did the ultimate sacrifice for our country. A very honorable thing."

The 22-year old Oleski was on his second tour of duty in the Middle East when he was killed in small arms fire last Wednesday in Afghanistan's Helmand Province.

Since then, an outpouring of support and respect from a grateful community.

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