Muskogee Honors 9/11 Hero: A Local Legacy

Muskogee is preparing to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, with a special focus on remembering Muskogee native Major Ron D. Milam. Milam, a 1986 graduate of Muskogee High School, was killed when a plane struck the Pentagon. A ceremony honoring his memory is scheduled for Friday, September 11, at 1:30 p.m. in the auditorium at the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center, where his mother, retired MHS English teacher Effie Milam, will speak.

The remembrance extends beyond individual sacrifice to acknowledge the broader impact of 9/11 on professions dedicated to service. Teachers like Angie Hillmon are organizing activities such as a Wall of Heroes, encouraging students to honor family members in the military or those who provide community assistance. This initiative aims to deepen students' understanding of how 9/11 influenced professions like first responders, law enforcement, emergency medical services, and healthcare workers, potentially inspiring more individuals to enter these fields due to increased sympathy and respect.

Local educators are emphasizing the personal connection Muskogee has to the tragedy. History teacher Jack Reavis, who taught alongside Effie Milam, shares stories of the Milam family with his students, highlighting the school's direct link to the events of 9/11. The Muskogee High School gymnasium was named in Ron Milam's honor in 2002, serving as a lasting tribute. Former students recall the profound impact of that day, with memories of watching the attacks unfold on television and the emotional toll it took on their community.