Sentence:  As this year marks the centennial of the beginning of the Civil War , this fact is being commemorated with several exhibits throughout the State , but most of all <WSD>paying</WSD> tribute to the first Rhode Island Volunteers who rushed to the defense of the City of Washington , putting at the disposal of President Lincoln the only fully equipped and best trained regiment at this time . 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  convey, as of a compliment, regards, attention, etc.; bestow