Pocono News Section

Montoursville Memorial Day Ceremony

Montoursville Memorial Day Ceremony - Monday, May 31, 2010 at 04:02AM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Monday May 31 2010
It was day to remember, a day to honor, a day to simply say thank you- to the men and women who so bravely defend our freedom.

U. S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Todd Carpenter proclaimed, "When it was time to take up arms in defense of the ideals and values that we cherish so much, thank God these heroes answered the call."

All around our area, thousands of people took a moment to pause and salute our military heroes on this Memorial Day.

Vicky Bohner, of Montoursville, said, "All of our soldiers should just be lauded. I think the United States needs to stand behind everyone of their men and women."

Hundreds showed up at the grounds of the Montoursville Cemetery to recall 43 area soldiers killed in the line of duty.

After American Legion members rang out a gun salute, a sobering trumpet solo recalled their bravery on the battlefield.

And a wreath was carefully laid in front of the local war memorial.

Kathie Snauffer, of Montoursville, noted, "As usual, beautiful service- always, always appropriate to honor our troops. It's just important because of the history of our country and honoring these people that have died for us."

For service members in attendance, it was a touching tribute to the men and women with whom they served, side by side.

American Legion Service Officer Jess Hackenburg explained, "We figure that if we wouldn't have made it back- I was in the Vietnam War- maybe some of those Vietnam vets that did get back would've honored me. So it's to honor the deceased people from the four wars that didn't come back."

The American Legion Memorial Day service in Montoursville got started more than 90 years ago, by veterans of the first World War.