The U. S. Census Bureau says 525 people live in Fort Jennings but the population of that Putnam county village will grow dramatically  over the next 3 days, as folks there host what has become the largest patriotic themed event  of the year in the entire region. It’s Called Fort Fest and later today through Sunday, the village will play host to too many military displays and memorials to mention here along with dozens of military encounter re-enactors. The focus of Fort Fest is simple, to salute the men and women who have served us in the military, and you will have plenty of opportunities to thank them and learn about their service if you attend. The return of Fort Fest after a pandemic-caused cancelation last year couldn’t come at a better time for many veterans from our area who’ve served us in Afghanistan and have had to watch in recent days as everything they fought for during America’s longest war has been erased in a lightning-quick take over of that nation by the Taliban.  If you have some time it would be well spent if you take in Fort Fest in Fort Jennings later today through Sunday. That’s the way I see it.