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This is the true spirit of what community means

To the editor:

On Oct. 2, I was astonished by the 200-plus people who showed up in front of my house. I had no idea why or how all of these people were here. Already a very special day with the baptism of my grandson and the joy this brought, now I was wondering, what are all of these people doing?

When everyone I have known through the years were gathered around the front porch, I could only greet them with “Hi guys, what you up to today?” I was in awe of what was happening.

Ryan Fultz, a former student at The Academy, using social media, organized a get-together of family, friends, students and neighbors along with the involvement of the Milroy, Yeagertown, McVeytown and Lewistown fire companies. This outpouring of solidarity shows the true spirit of what community means.

Along with Fred Nichols as emcee, Ryan and several students spoke about how I touched their lives through my years at The Academy. This was followed by attendees coming to shake my hand and thanking me for the work I had done.

Having been a teacher at The Academy (28 years), a member of the Milroy Fire Department (40-plus years) and having known most of the people in Milroy all my life, never have I had the pleasure of seeing people doing something so powerful.

While I want to thank everyone for the support they have shown to me and my family through the visits, gifts and money I received since becoming ill, this event is the best gift I could possibly receive.

Charles Yeater

Milroy

(Oct. 12, 2016)

Editor’s note: Sadly, Mr. Yeater passed away on Oct. 16, 2016. This letter is published posthumously, at the request of his family.

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