ROCHESTER, N.Y. — During an early morning meeting, members of the Nurse Honor Guard put the finishing touches on their uniforms. They’re part of the new Finger Lakes chapter of the organization.

Martha Eddy Dicco started nursing when she was just 13. Now 50 years later, she’s looking to support nurses in their journeys, in this life and the next.

“We are there when individuals are born and when they die," said Dicco.

Ruth Benjamin founded the Finger Lakes chapter. It came after a fellow nurse passed away and she wasn’t able to attend the funeral.

“My idea is that no nurse is forgotten," said Benjamin.

The group travels to funerals for nurses around the Finger Lakes. They perform the Nurse's Prayer, carrying candles and flowers. At the end of the ceremony, the last call to duty is recited.

“We call the nurse's name three times; each chime rings and she doesn’t answer. After three times, we release her from her duties," explained Benjamin.

This chapter of the Nurse Honor Guard started last October with just four members. Now it’s grown to more than 20.

“It’s wonderful, I never thought it would go anywhere. It fulfills my heart," said Benjamin.

There are about 25 chapters of nurse honor guards across the state.