Family, friends, local officials and law enforcement officers were among those who helped unveil new signs in a ceremony Wednesday afternoon marking U.S. 2 through Norway as the Kenneth J. Moraska Memorial Highway.

“This is a tribute not only to Ken, but to all fallen officers,” said Robert Moraska, Kenneth Moraska’s brother. “It is time that all communities come together to support our fallen heroes. These brave men and women should not be forgotten and these memorial signs should serve as a reminder that this is not an isolated incident.”

Kenneth Moraska was only 26 years old, a Vietnam War veteran and Norway police officer for two years, when he was fatally shot responding to a domestic disturbance call on Pearney Lane on May 23, 1971.

Edward Alsteens Jr., who fled with Moraska’s firearm, later was convicted of second-degree murder in the shooting and sentenced to life in prison without parole in December 1971.

MORASKA’S FAMILY at the ceremony, from left, included Joey and J.D. Miller, grand-nephew and nephew; Robert Moraska, brother; Kristen Bednarz, nephew’s wife; Diana Newcomb, sister; Renee Lupini, sister; Chase Moraska, grandson; Ian Bednarz, nephew; Gina Moraska, daughter-in-law; Ann Marie Muraro, wife; John Moraska, brother; Dean Moraska, son; Mari Negro, sister; Les Negro, brother-in-law; Jim Moraska, brother; and Diana Moraska, sister-in-law. (Theresa Proudfit/Daily News photo)

Moraska was survived by his wife, Ann Marie, and a son, Dean.

The now Ann Marie Muraro said Wednesday she was grateful to see so many people at the unveiling and felt “honored” to have a highway named for late husband.

“This is really special. I don’t know how many times it’s going to take me to see this sign that it’s not going to take my breath away,” Muraro said.

Norway City Manager Ray Anderson opened the ceremony, with the Rev. Timothy M. Ekaitis of St. Barbara Catholic Church leading a prayer and speakers that included former state Rep. Ed McBroom of Vulcan and Norway city council member Lee Menghini, whose father was the Norway police chief when Moraska was killed.

McBroom sponsored House Bill 5205, which Gov. Rick Snyder signed in December as Public Act 352 of 2016, to rename the highway for Moraska.

“I was happy to assist the family and city of Norway in remembering and honoring the only officer killed in the line of duty from the City Police Department,” McBroom said Wednesday. “This memorial to Officer Moraska should help us remember the danger our officers face to keep us all safe, even in our small communities.”