To the Editor:

Three of our local Pike County citizens were honored in Montgomery on Sunday, Sept. 28. The Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame inducted the Honorable Jimmy C. Lunsford of Troy into the Golden Eagle Class of 2008.Mayor Lunsford was cited for his many contributions to the Colley Senior Center and the local meals program for seniors. A long-time contributor to The Messenger, the Honorable Jean Boutwell, also of Troy, was invited to attend to receive a 2008 Golden Eagle Honorary Certificate. Posthumously, Earl Helms of Brundidge was honored for years of good works he did as an elder for many older citizens in South Alabama. Other seniors from Alabama also were recognized.

Twelve members of my family were present at the ceremony to honor my uncle, Earl Helms. Uncle Earl died last summer, but his good works live on through his family. There is not a Helms, Adams or Harper in my extended family who does not stop at the site of an American flag being presented and think of Earl and the many times we helped him place flags along the streets of Brundidge for the Lions Club. Earl instilled values of citizenship, stewardship and selflessness in the care of our fellow human beings, many of whom may not have been as fortunate as we are.

Please congratulate Mayor Lunsford and Mrs. Boutwell the next time you greet them. As for my Uncle Earl, I know that he touched lives beyond my family, and that is praise enough.

John E. Adams

Troy