Veterans Celebrate Memorial Day

In towns and cities across America family and friends gather to celebrate Memorial Day. We all honor those who’ve given their lives to keep our country safe. For veterans though, Memorial Day takes on a more personal and special meaning.

Cory Sprankle, 23, is no ordinary Penn State student. The veteran was deployed for one stint in Iraq from 2008 to 2009 before enrolling in school.

“It’s nice that people make an effort to recognize veterans – both the people that died and the ones that are still serving,” Sprankle said. “I don’t think that military people get the respect they deserve sometimes so Memorial Day is a great opportunity to honor veterans.”

Sprankle says he’ll be spending his Memorial Day on the lake fishing with some friends.

“A simple thank you when people see troops goes a long way,” Sprankle said. “You don’t need to go out of your way, but simple things like a thank you or a letter to our military members overseas really helps a soldier.”

James Washburn, 66, has been through more Memorial Days than Sprankle, but the sentiment remains the same. Washburn served in the army from 1966 to 1972 and is the president of the Moshannon Valley Veterans Memorial outside of Phillipsburg.

“Memorial Day is about showing a small amount of respect for those that defend our country,” Washburn said. “It’s important to recognize what a veteran has been through and give the ones that deserve the honor, the honor.”

Washburn says he’ll spend his Memorial Day like he does most Memorial Days – attending a morning service, going to a memorial service, relaxing and having a family-oriented gathering.

“The general public should help veterans any way that they can,” Washburn said. “Get involved in a Memorial Day service, get involved with outreach. There are a lot of things people can do to show respect. Keep our state looking good and free of litter. Don’t look down at a veteran who needs help.”

Shane Logue, another local veteran who works at the State College VFW, was a part of the 3rd Battalion 8th Marines based out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Logue served in the Marines from 2003 to 2007, which included two deployments to Iraq in 2005 and 2006.

“Memorial Day is a day for remembrance,” Logue said. “I think it’s a good day to make a more public acknowledgement toward veterans. Veterans always remember their service but I think it’s great for the wider public.”

Logue says he’ll be spending the day barbecuing with his parents and relaxing.

“I think honoring veterans is most crucial right now,” Logue said. “The World War II veterans are dying off. More emphasis should be getting and recording stories from World War II veterans and thanking them. We don’t have too much more time left with them.”

Mike Morlang, 62, is a veteran who dedicates his Memorial Day to making sure others are able to enjoy and appreciate the various ceremonies going on around the area. Morland served for 23 years in the Navy on nuclear submarines and other ships.

“Memorial Day is a time to remember all veterans – those that have passed and those that are still here,” Morlang said. “The problem these days is that people are so young that they only know a lot about Iraq and Afghanistan. I don’t think they teach young people enough about military service.”

Morlang, who worked at Penn State’s Breazeale Nuclear Reactor for 14 years following his service, takes part in various services every Sunday and Monday of Memorial Day weekend.

“I try to get to as many Memorial Day services that I can,” Morlang said. “It would be perfect if people could come to the ceremonies to honor veterans. I hope people are starting to recognize how important that service is.”

For a of list of Memorial Day activities, click HERE.

memorialday2013