Many of us will never forget the exact moment on September 11, 2001 when we first heard about the terrorist attacks against our nation. That was a truly horrific day in our history, and I’m grateful that our community continues to acknowledge the tragedy every year with the 9/11 Memorial Ride. We are entering a time when a new generation of American adults have no memory of that day because they were infants and toddlers when it happened. It won’t be long until there are millions of adults who were born after that tragic day.

For most of us, the Memorial Ride has been a tradition for many years now, whether we are watching or riding. It’s a time of somber reflection of the lives of the victims lost that day, as well as those who sacrificed their lives in rescue efforts and in the war to defeat terrorism.

It’s important to remember to tell our young people what that day was like, and help them appreciate the countless acts of sacrifice to restore order and make our nation safe. It’s also a reminder of how many people all over the country donated money and supplies and did what they could to help those affected most profoundly by the attacks. Hopefully the accounts of heroism and kindness in the aftermath will inspire our young people to know that every act of compassion, no matter how large or how small, will make a difference.

THOT “One of the worst days in America’s history saw some of the bravest acts in Americans’ history. We’ll always honor the heroes of 9/11.” – President George W. Bush

Happy birthday to Jason McQuay, who will be celebrating on September 13.

Long distance birthday wishes are sent to Jason Rutkoski, who will be turning another year older on September 14. He is currently serving in the United States Navy. Happy birthday and thank you for your service, Jason!

Eric Spencer will be marking another trip around the sun on September 17. Have a great day!

If you are interested in joining the Montgomery Lions Club, please contact Roger McRae at 570-971-2825.

If you are a vendor and want to participate in the Montgomery Volunteer Fire Company Fall Festival on Saturday, October 13, you can receive a discount vendor space if you register before September 29. Contact the fire company at MVFC13@gmail.com.

If you would like a birthday, anniversary, or special event recognized in this column, e-mail it to news@muncyluminary.com. and specify that it belongs in the Montgomery locals.

Montgomery Events

Fri. Sept. 14 The Homecoming Game and Ceremony will be at 7:00 p.m. at the football field.

Sat. Sept. 15 The First United Methodist Church of Montgomery will have a soup fundraiser from 10 to 1. Soup choices include beef vegetable, chicken and corn soup, and white chicken chili.

Sat. Sept. 15 The Elimsport United Methodist Church will be hosting the Elimsport Fall Festival from 11:00-5:00. The parade will step-off from the fire hall at 11 a.m. There will be live music, a craft show, and lots of food.

Sat. Sept. 15 The Clinton Baptist Church will hold a free Community Lunch from 12-2. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Mon. Sept. 17 The library will debut a new program called Baby Story Time at 10:30 a.m. This gathering is for infants from birth to 18 months along with their mother or caregiver. The program is designed to help babies develop social and literary skills. Preregister at 547-6212.

Tues. Sept. 18 The Teen Advisory Group will meet at the library at 6 p.m.

Weds. Sept. 19 The library will have Toddler Tales from 11-noon.

Thurs. Sept. 20 The Montgomery Area Historical Society will host a Third Thursday program called “Montgomery Mills Share the Memories.” Former Montgomery Mills employees are requested to come and share their experiences of working there. The company was the town’s largest business and at its peak employed over 1700 people and made machine gun belts for the government during World War II. The program will be held in the Adam Room on West Houston Avenue at 6:30 p.m. with an Open House to follow. All Historical Society events are free and open to the public.