TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL)-- Across the country, Americans are remembering members of the armed forces who gave their lives fighting.
For one Tallahassee family, this memorial day hits home a little harder -- as they bury their son who joined the marines.
Blake Creel passed away after a motorcycle crash last week in California.
He leaves behind his brother and sister who say they were inspired to enlist in the service because of him.
In fact, his brother Brady hopes to become a marine. When he heard of his brother's death he faced the decision of whether or not to go.
"He basically is one of the main reason almost the only reason that I joined the military. Ever since I found out I had this feeling that he wouldn't want me to delay my ship date, or push it back. He would want me to continue and be strong in his name and carry on his legacy", says Brady Creel.
Meanwhile Blake's JROTC teacher at Leon High School had nothing but great things to say about the young marine. He says Blake was a born leader from the moment he finished boot camp.
"I remember those days when I built that courage and conquering that time of fear and that's when I knew he would be a marine", Anthony Reaves.
