On May 7th, 1941 Glenn Miller and his Orchestra recorded “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” which would go on to become one of the most beloved songs of the big band era. It was the number one song in the country seven months later when Pearl Harbor was attacked. It has been covered numerous times over the years by many different artists, ranging from Cab Calloway, Carmen Miranda, and Bill Haley and his Comets.

Glenn Miller may have had the number one song in the country on the day that would sweep America into war, but sadly, he wouldn’t live to see the end of it. Miller’s band had been wildly popular since they rose to fame in 1938, but Miller walked away from his stellar career to serve his country. He was declared missing in action on December 15, 1944 when his plane disappeared over the English Channel on his way to France.

As Memorial Day approaches, it’s good to remember the innumerable sacrifices made by countless men and women to give us the freedom we enjoy today.

There is still time to honor a loved one who served in the military with a Hometown Hero banner. Order forms can be found at Montgomery Weis, Montgomery Borough building, Clinton Township building, and Brady Township building.

Congratulations to Shannon L. Donley, who graduated from Penn College this past weekend from the Dental Hygiene program. She received the Patricia L. Saxton Excellence in Dental Hygiene Award that is given for “dedication to the profession through personal growth, self-development and support of others.”

Happy birthday to my brother, Seth Heasley, who will celebrate his big day on May 20th.

THOT “If a man has done his best, what else is there?” George S. Patton

Montgomery events:

Thurs. May 19 will be the next Montgomery Art and Music in the Park event. A free art workshop for children begins at 6:00 p.m., and open jam with a full band will be from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Equipment will be provided for the open jam. If you have any questions, call 547-6007.

Sat. May 21 children ages 13 and under can participate in the Black Hole Fishin’ Derby from 10 to noon. The Derby will be held at the Bower Street Bridge.

Sat. May 28 the Montgomery Area Historical Society will host an open house of the Stone Church in Alvira from 2-4. There will be maps available of the cemeteries and a documentary will be shown. The church sits on federal prison property so take advantage of the rare opportunity to see this unique piece of local history.

Mon. May 30 is Montgomery’s annual Memorial Day Parade and service. The parade will begin at 9 a.m. at the American Legion Bower-Decker Post. The memorial service will be held at the park following the parade around 9:30. If it rains, the parade will be canceled and the service will be held at the Montgomery Area High School auditorium at 9 a.m.