It’s hard to believe that the Fourth of July is almost here. For most of us the event is a fun time with fireworks and good food, but for the signers of the Declaration of Independence it was a different day entirely.

To them, they were citizens of new nation staking claim in a new world, no longer subjects to a monarchy that was heavily taxing them in a way that was contradictory to English law. To the rest of the world, they were British citizens who were committing treason. By signing the Declaration of Independence, there could only be two outcomes: to live as free citizens in a new nation of their own design, or to be executed as traitors by the most powerful government the world had ever known. These were intelligent men who knew that what they were doing could lead to dire consequences to themselves and their families. In the July heat and humidity, they made a decision that forever changed the course of the world.

I thank God they did. And I thank God that every generation of Americans has had people to defend those rights so that we have remained free.

THOT “Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.” George Washington

The Montgomery Lions Club is accepting new members. Please call Roger McRae at (570) 971-2825 if you would like to join. The Lions Club is the world’s largest social service organization and the Montgomery Lions Club offers many opportunities to serve Montgomery residents throughout the year.

Montgomery Events

Mon. July 3 The annual fireworks display will be held at dusk at the carnival grounds. Food will be sold from 4:30-10 p.m. by the Montgomery Volunteer Fire Company and Becky’s Soft Serve.

Thurs. July 6 The Summer Reading Program will have a visit from Zoo America who will be bringing live animals into the library at 2:00 p.m. Please note this is a different day of the week than their usual programs.

Sat. July 8 The Montgomery Area Historical Society will open the Adam Room from 10-1. The public is welcome to attend. This event will feature an opportunity to enter a ticket in the Passport to History drawing that takes place later in the year.

Sun. July 9 The Oak Grove Community Center will be holding an all-you-can-eat breakfast from 8-11 a.m.

Mon. July 10 The Clinton Township Supervisors will meet in the Municipal Building at 6:30 p.m.

Tues. July 11 The Montgomery Borough Council will meet in the Borough Building at 6:30 p.m.