HERKIMER - Area heroes will be honored this Memorial Day thanks to a project in Herkimer. The "Fallen Stars Tribute" will consist of 201 white stars on a blue background.

The stars will feature the names, ranks and hometowns of New Yorkers who gave their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. It will be a mural and it will be updated every six months until the conflicts in both countries are over.

Organizers say the project will serve as a reminder of those who have given their lives for our country.

"Young people, especially, need to be reminded of that," said Ray Lenarcic, of the Herkimer Lions Club. "And this mural is going to remind them by looking at the stars and those names the cost of fighting for other people's freedom in addition to our own."

The mural will be unveiled on Memorial Day at Herkimer County Community College's Veterans Memorial Park.