Sunday, September 29 is national Gold Star Mother’s Day. This date of somber recognition and remembrance is held on the last Sunday of September every year. Gold Star mothers are women who have had a son or daughter die in combat. While this day of recognition might not be one of the better-known holidays, I feel that it certainly should be. The gift of our freedom came at a tremendously high cost, but for Gold Star Mothers that cost was bitterly high. I can’t imagine the stress, worry, and sleepless nights that women endure while their children are sent to war, but the horror of learning your child isn’t coming home is inconceivable.

I’m glad that we live in a country that honors the memory of our fallen soldiers on Memorial Day, but we need to be mindful that the ultimate sacrifice of our servicemen and women stretches far beyond their own lives, it affects everyone they knew and loved. For Gold Star Mother’s that lost is acutely felt every day. Sadly, even those who make it home may later end up as a casualty of war, because every day in America 22 veterans commit suicide.

We need to remember to pray for our Gold Star families often. Their loved ones sacrifice is the reason that we have the freedom to pray at

all.

THOT “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

Matthew 5:4

Happy birthday to Frances Hall, who will be celebrating on September 25.

Birthday wishes go to Keith Harman, who will be commemorating another

trip around the sun on September 28.

Happy Anniversary to my parents, Phil and Glenda Heasley, who will be celebrating 40 years of marriage September 29.

Happy birthday wishes go to Jill Ulrich, who will be marking her special day on September 30.

If you would like a birthday, anniversary, or special event recognized in this column, please leave a message at The Luminary Office at (570) 584-2134 or e-mail it to news@muncyluminary.com; specify that it belongs in the Montgomery column.

Montgomery Events

Wed. Sept. 25-Toddler Tales will be held at the library from 11-noon. Children ages 1-5 are invited to enjoy a story, snack, and craft. Preregister at 547-6212 and plan to accompany your child.

Wed. Sept. 25-Varsity Golf Team will compete in the District IV Qualifier at 2 p.m.

Fri. Sept. 27-Varsity Football Team will have a home game against Pottsville Nativity, 7 p.m.

Mon. Sept. 30-Girls Varsity Soccer Team will have a home game against Wyalusing at 4 p.m. This will be their last home game of the

season.

Tue. Oct. 1-The first session of Harry Potter Camp will be held at the library at 6 p.m.

Thur. Oct. 3-Varsity Girls Tennis Team will have a home match against Muncy at 4 p.m.

Fri. Oct. 4-The Montgomery vs. Muncy Football Game will be held at Muncy at 7 p.m.

The Montgomery Volunteer Fire Company is selling tickets for the Pumpkin Roll on October 5. You can buy them from any member or by sending them a Facebook message.

Are you interested in volunteering with the Montgomery Emergency Management Agency? If so, please call Dennis Gruver at 547-6777.

The Montgomery Emergency Management Agency’s Facebook page provides timely alerts about emergency weather and safety instructions. Please follow their page to receive their notifications.

Our local fire companies are in need of volunteers to serve as emergency responders and in non-emergency support roles. To learn more, contact either the Montgomery Volunteer Fire Company at 547-1380 or the Clinton Township Fire Department at 547-1000.

The Montgomery Lions Club is always welcoming new members. Please call Roger McRae at (570) 971-2825.