Veteran’s Day is drawing near, and as I reflect upon the significance of the day I am reminded of how fortunate I am to have been born a free American. The liberties we enjoy are so embedded into our daily routines as well as our larger national culture that we scarcely think about them. The day-to-day freedoms that we enjoy are unimaginable to billions of people across the globe. The right to choose what you will believe, to attend religious services, the freedom to vote, the right to say and write whatever you want are sacred in our great nation. For people in many other nations, they are legal offenses that carry the punishment of imprisonment, torture, or death.

These freedoms have continued to exist because our military has protected them. Everything we enjoy in our lives is possible because of our servicemen and women and the veterans of the United States Armed Forces. One thing that continues to surprise me about our veterans is how humble they are. We’ve all seen many of them in public wearing baseball caps that identify them as veterans and yet if you thank them, they will almost always thank you for recognizing them. Honestly, this continues to surprise me. Veterans deserve every amount of thanks we offer, and much more.

Every person who has served in our military has signed away their life upon entering the service.

Whether they served in war or peace they have all risked forfeiting their life and liberty for their fellow Americans. And for that they deserve to be hailed as the heroes they are.

Thank you, veterans. May God bless you.

THOT “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” Ronald Reagan

Congratulations to the Varsity Football Team for defeating Bucktail 47-6 on Friday, November 3rd in the district playoffs. The whole town is cheering for you as you play for the district championship this week!

Happy birthday to Shawn Harman who will be celebrating on November 8th.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Montgomery Lions Club, please call Roger McRae at 570-971-2825.

If you would like a birthday, anniversary, or special event recognized in this column, please leave a message at The Luminary Office at 570-584-0111 or e-mail it to news @muncyluminary.com.

Montgomery events

Sat. Nov 11 There will be an Open House in the Adam Room from 10 a.m. -1 p.m. The event is hosted by the Montgomery Area Historical Society.

Mon. Nov 13 The Clinton Township Supervisors will meet at 6:30 in the Municipal Building.

Tue Nov 14th The Montgomery Borough Council will meet at 6:30 in the Borough Building.

Wed. Nov 15 “The Middle of Fall” themed Toddler Tales will be hosted by the library from 11-12. Children need to be pre-registered.

Thurs. Nov. 16 The Link will be in front of the library from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The Link is the ADA-accessible, mobile office of Career Link that offers job placement services.

Thurs. Nov 16 The Montgomery Area Historical Society will host a talk by Larry Stout on Michael Sechler, a former Montgomery resident who served as one of George Washington’s bodyguards during the Revolutionary War. The talk will be at 6:30 p.m. in the Adam Room and will be followed by refreshments and open house.

Thurs. Nov. 16 and Fri. Nov. 17 Montgomery Area High School’s Virtuoso will perform the play “12 Angry Jurors” at 7 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the door.

Weds. Nov 22 Toddler Tales will be at the library from 11-noon. The theme will be “Turkey Day.” Pre-registration is required.