Hundreds of Montgomery residents gathered to honor America’s fallen servicemen and women with a parade followed by a ceremony at Montgomery Park.

The parade featured the American Legion Bower-Decker Post #251, The America Legion Auxiliary, veterans, Montgomery Police Department, the Montgomery Volunteer Fire Company, Montgomery Emergency Management, the Clinton Township Fire Company, The Lions Club, the Montgomery Junior/Senior High Marching Band, Montgomery Little League, Girl Scouts, 4-H, and antique vehicles including a restored army jeep.

The ceremony in the park was led by the Bower Decker Legion Post #251. Glenn Crossley served as the Master of Ceremony and opened the program. Gary Adams, who serves as the Chaplain to the Legion gave the invocation by opening with a prayer.

Crossley then honored members of the Legion Post who had passed since the last Memorial Day: Paul Reese, Carl A. Buck, Sr., William A. Thomas, Carl E. Jarrett, Clifford B. Cole, and Lamar Pentz.

Mayor Sean Leet spoke, and then awards were presented by Glenn Crossley and Colleen Johns. Crossley announced that The Legionnaire of the Year Award went to Kathleen Ranck, who was acknowledged for her military service as a veteran of the Army Medical Corps and for her volunteer work with the Montgomery Legion. The American Legion Certificate of School Award and medal was given to Gabe McNear for possessing courage, honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship, and service. Colleen Johns of the Ladies Auxiliary then presented the American Legion Auxiliary Department of Pennsylvania School Award and medal to Victoria Magyar for her distinguished achievement, honor, courage, scholarship, leadership, service, and Americanism. The topic of the Tenth Grade Essay Contest was, “How can we address and prevent veteran homelessness in our communities?” The winner was McKenzie Heasley, who was presented with a certificate and a medal, and then read her essay.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Stephan Brady, a retired United States Air Force Lt. Colonel. He shared a quote from Jesus Christ, “Greater love has no man than this, than a man that would lay down his life for his friends.” He also spoke of the lessons he learned from his own grandfather who fought in World War II. He encouraged the audience to use their digital devices to talk to veterans and record the stories of their comrades who died in battle.

A red, white, and blue wreath was placed at the War Memorial, and the firing squad discharged three rounds to honor America’s fallen heroes. The Montgomery Area High School Marching Band then paid tribute by having Devin Neidig play Taps, with the response performed by Riley Fry. The entire band then played the Star Spangled Banner, led by Mr. Brian Rehn.

Chaplain Gary Adams closed the ceremony with a prayer.

THOT “It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us-that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion-that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain-that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom-and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” from The Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln

Loads and loads of birthday wishes go to Everhett Heasley who will be turning five on May 30.

Happy birthday to Maddie Solano-LaForme, who marks her special day on June 3.

The Montgomery Lions Club is accepting new members. Please contact Roger McRae at 570-971-2825 to learn more.

Montgomery Events

Fri. May 31 Last day of school

Fri. May 31 Montgomery Area High School will have graduation at 7 p.m. at the Athletic Complex.

Sun. Jun. 2 The Oak Grove Community Center will have an All You Can Eat Breakfast from 8-11 a.m.

Mon. Jun. 3 The Montgomery Library will have early bird registration for “A Universe of Stories” summer learning program from June 3-8. Call 547-6212 to register, and come to the library to get a summer reading log, reading coupons, and a prize.

Sat. Jun. 8 The Montgomery Area Historical Society will have an Open House in the Adam Room from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Sat. Jun. 8 The Tri-Town Relay for Life will take place at the Montgomery Athletic Complex Football Stadium. The walk begins at 10 a.m., the Survivor and Memory Walk at 6 p.m., and The Luminary Service at 9 p.m. The event ends at 11 p.m. Various activities and entertainment will be featured throughout the day.