Memorial Day is a day of overwhelming humility. It is about coming to the realization that every freedom we have is only possible because millions of people made the decision to make a profound sacrifice for their country. Every person who has ever joined the United States Armed Forces knew that they were risking their lives, but they never knew beforehand what their particular sacrifice would be, whether their service would cost them their lives, their physical well-being, their mental health, or years of their youth.

As we prepare to acknowledge the memories of those who gave their lives for their country, we remember that their sacrifice went far beyond the battlefield. They left behind family and friends who walk in freedom, but who are left to walk through life without a precious loved one. Memorial Day is when we remember not only our fallen servicemen and women, but also the Gold Star families of all ages and all generations, from the elderly who lost a parent, grandparent, uncle, or friend in decades past, or for small children who are growing up without a parent. We remember young adults who lost a parent, sibling, or spouse, and young veterans and service members who comforted their wounded brothers and sisters-in-arms as they left this earth. We remember those whose loved ones never returned home, and never learned their fate.

We remember our servicemen who were buried under a stone marked “unknown”.

Let us carry these remembrances throughout the year.

THOT “We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie in Flanders fields.” from the poem “In Flanders Fields” by John McRae.

Happy birthday to Rubi Solano who will be marking her special day on May 24th.

In honor of Memorial Day the Montgomery Borough Office, the Clinton Township Office, and the Montgomery Area Public Library will be closed on Monday, May 28th.

The Montgomery Area Public Library’s Summer Learning program will begin during the first week of June. Be sure to sign-up and enjoy a wide variety of activities for ages 1-17 and many special family programs.

The Montgomery Lions Club is seeking new members. Please contact Roger McRae at 570-971-2825 for more information.

Hometown Hero Banner orders are available at the Montgomery Borough Office, Clinton Township Office, and Montgomery Weis Market. They will be accepted until August.

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. Please specify that it belongs in the Montgomery column.

Montgomery events

Weds. May 23 The Montgomery Area Library will have Toddler Tales for ages 1-5 from 11-noon. Please preregister at 547-6212 and plan to accompany your child. The children will enjoy an ocean-themed story, make a turtle craft, and eat a snack.

Sat. May 26 The annual Montgomery Lions Club Charity Auction will begin at 9 a.m. at the park pavilion. Food will also be sold. The proceeds help support the Boy Scouts, Montgomery fireworks, Meadow Brook Riding Camp, and other local causes.

Mon. May 28 The Memorial Day Parade will step off from the Bower-Decker Legion at 9 a.m. The parade will progress down Broad Street and end at the park, and the service will begin at the Memorial Stone when the parade ends. The American Legion has requested that all homes and businesses display the American flag.

Tues. May 29 The First United Methodist Church of Montgomery will have a fundraiser at Muncy Wendy’s from 5-8 p.m. Ten percent of all sales will be donated to the church during that time.

Tues. May 29 The Clinton Township Supervisors will meet at the Municipal Building at 6:30 p.m.

Tues. May 29 The Teen Advisory Group monthly meeting will be held at the library at 6 p.m.

Fri. Jun. 1 The library will have Teen Game Night at 4:30 p.m.

Sat. Jun 2 The annual Black Hole Creek Fishin’ Derby has been rescheduled for 9 a.m. It will be at the Bower Street Bridge for children ages 12 and under.

Sun. Jun. 3 Tina Tickle will teach an Abstract Art Fluid Paint class at the Riverside Campground Deck from 1-4 p.m. Materials provided for a fee.