Dozens of people packed the Aquashicola Volunteer Fire Company on Saturday to honor a man who gave his life attempting to save his neighbors’ children almost seven decades ago.

John "Buddy" Miller perished in a house fire, along with Alfred and Shirley Arner, when he selflessly ran into the Arner residence when it caught fire on Thanksgiving Day in 1949. Though Miller was awarded a posthumous Carnegie Medal in 1950, his story was all but forgotten over the years.Thanks to the efforts of the Aquashicola Volunteer Fire Company and the Palmerton Area Historical Society, along with Mike Snyder, Miller and his family were properly honored when a Carnegie Medal was affixed to his tombstone as part of a commemoration ceremony on Saturday. 

‘Long overdue’"It’s a tribute long overdue, and certainly it’s the foundation for the start of this organization," Fire Company President Rory Koons said, acknowledging the impact the loss of Miller and the Arners had on the development of the Aquashicola Volunteer Fire Company. "It’s a wonderful event to recognize a man who unselfishly tried to save people who were in harm’s way. Out of every tragedy, something good comes. That’s the impetus of this whole program."Koons gave insight into the designation of a hero. "In today’s world, we hear the term ‘hero’ used way too often."Koons said, "A hero is best described by Christopher Reeve, who summed up the act of heroism by saying, ‘A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.’ I believe Christopher Reeve must have had Mr. Miller in mind when he wrote that quote."Retired pastor Paul L. Schoffstall, formerly of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, preempted the invocation with a small passage that truly sums up Miller."The greatest love a man can have for his family and friends is to give his life for them," Schoffstall said. 

Life too shortPeter Kern of the Palmerton Area Historical Society called out to the crowd to recognize the spirit of heroism embodied by Miller. "This is not a memorial service, but a celebration," Kern said. "It’s a celebration of a life too short, but one that should give us a lot of comfort, knowing that there are others around, just like John Miller, today. That spirit has never faltered. We have heroes every day. People like John Miller are sitting in this room today with us."Commissioners Wayne Nothstein and Thomas J. Gerhard presented a resolution to Miller’s children, Barry Butler and Elaine Shaw.The resolution documented "the courage of John "Buddy" Miller in the heroic effort of the 1949 tragedy that ultimately was a catalyst and growth of membership for the Aquashicola Volunteer Fire Company to organize."Members of the Arner, Butler, and Miller families hopped onto the fire company’s trucks in order to lead a procession to the Towamensing Cemetery.Mike Snyder, a life member of the fire company conducted research with members of the fire company, historical society, and Commissioner Bill O’Gurek.Snyder explained his inspiration to explore the history of the tragedy, and the importance of Miller’s sacrifice to the community."Just a few years ago, when I became aware of this event, and of Mr. Miller’s tombstone, and the fact that we have not had the opportunity to recognize this heroic event, I was a bit shocked. I was a bit saddened as I went to the Historical Society to find that our archives had nothing at all about this terrible day," Snyder said. 

People make a difference"We cannot let the memory of this terrible day and this act of heroism to ever perish from our collective memory. People, our neighbors, colleagues, and friends, often times are presented with extraordinary challenges, and they rise to a level higher, further, and more productive than we can ever imagine, given the background and experience they have. We each have an obligation to take a moment to recognize, to honor, to thank, to send a card, to help people understand that the things they do make a difference."Butler and Shaw unveiled their father’s tombstone, which featured the newly affixed Carnegie Medal.Shaw was touched by the community outreach, and the positivity that blossomed from the tragic fire."It’s actually overwhelming, it’s unbelievable, heartwarming, that people took the time to do this for us, and for our father," she said. "I’m thrilled that he’s finally being honored in the way he should, and with the positive effect it had on the fire department, and how it’s grown as a result of this disaster."Ceremonial wreaths and flowers were set at Miller’s tombstone. Siblings Sandy Engle and Larry and Charles Arner placed flowers at the tombstone of their siblings."As he cradled my brother and sister at that tragic moment, I know God was holding them," Larry Arner said of Miller and his siblings.The procession returned to the fire hall for refreshments, where Koons presented Miller’s children with a token of thanks."On behalf of the membership of this organization, we would like to present a life membership to your father. His name will be placed on our honorary life membership board, forever."Koons then presented the siblings with firemen’s badges."A little memento such as a fireman’s badge, recognizing you and your sister as recipients of your father’s life membership, are keepsakes that we hope you keep close and dear," Koons said.