Community members came together Sunday to remember a tragic event in Central New York's history: the Split Rock explosion.

The facility was used to manufacture munitions during World War I. 

But on July 2, 1918, an explosion took place, killing at least 50 people and injuring dozens of others. 

Now, 100 years later, residents visited Oakwood Cemetery where a monument honors those who lost their lives. 

They laid a wreath and remembered the contributions those heroes made.

"The reason we think it is important is because it had a serious impact on the outcome of the war. It's written in literature that without the Split Rock contribution to the munitions of World War I, the Allies would have lost the war," said Carl Wiezalis, Town of Onondaga Historical Society president.

Events will take place throughout the year to commemorate the centennial anniversary. 

The Town of Onondaga has declared this year the "Year of the Rock."