ALBION — Family, friends, local and state government officials, community members, and military gathered Tuesday to pay their final respects to Spc. Jason Johnston, 24, who was killed Dec. 26 in Afghanistan.
“We gather here with a heavy heart for someone who we loved so dearly, loved us so dearly and loved our nation so truly,” said Rev. Richard Csizmar at the service. “He always wanted to be in the service since he was young.”
Csizmar spoke about Johnston’s smile and his love for dance and music to the hundreds that gathered in Holy Family Parish St. Joseph’s Church.
“He’s the best friend you could hope for,” said friend Brett Irwin, who also spoke at the service.
Irwin described Johnston as a strong person and that he considered him a brother.
A reading of Johnston’s favorite children’s book “Runaway Bunny” was requested by his mother, Jenny.
An Army representative spoke at the service, sharing words from Johnston’s fellow soldiers that he served alongside in Afghanistan.
“They’d say he was a professional soldier,” the representative said. “He was an extraordinary teammate and brother. He was a guy other always counted on.”
The representative also shared the words that Johnston spoke to his platoon leader right before going on his last mission, saying that these words will continue to inspire his “brother soldiers” serving in Afghanistan.
“I’m motivated,” Johnston said. “I’m good to go.”
Since the community found out about Johnston's death, hundreds have offered their support and help to the family. State and local buildings placed their flags at half staff to honor Johnston's memory and signs and marquees now display his name, saluting his service to the country.
The Orleans County Legislature held a moment of silence Monday to remember “the great soldier who lost his life serving our country,” Legislator Henry Smith said.
Public figures such as Gov. David Paterson and Sen. Charles Schumer have also offered their condolences to the family.
In one of the greatest displays of support, hundreds lined the street over the weekend, holding American flags and signs as Johnston’s body was returned to his home.
The entire Albion Central School District student body lined the street Tuesday showing support for their fallen alumnus. Holding flags, the 2,400 students from Pre-K to 12th grade braved the weather to stand and watch the motorcade pass on its way to Mount Albion Cemetery.
“I think it is just important for our kids to understand that Jason certainly was one of us, one of them, just as they are,” Superintendent Ada Grabowski said. “It really is a historic moment in Albion to be able to honor a young man like this. He was a good kid. For us to be able to enjoy the freedoms that we enjoy, our children need to understand that sacrifices are being made and this brings it really home to them.”
Grabowski said teachers were asked to give lessons to their students before the went out to pay tribute so they could fully understand the meaning of the day.
“There are times in communities and in the individual lives of citizens that are of such great significance that they cause us all to pause, to reflect, to reaffirm what we as a community are and as individuals,” said School Board President Michael Bonafede. “Army Specialist Jason Johnston has prompted just such a moment. Jason, a student, an alumni, a friend, a brother, a son, a soldier, a citizen, has come home to a community that loves him. Having made the supreme sacrifice in service to our nation ... This is the first casualty of war in our community in a very long time. Jason has touched many profoundly and deeply.”
Johnston was a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Special Operations. He deployed in October for his second tour of duty and is the son of Albion residents Brad and Jenny Johnston. He was buried with full military honors in Mount Albion Cemetery.
Contact reporter Rikki Cason at 798-1400, ext. 8227.
Local News
Related Photos
-
JOE EBERLE/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Discussion
Remembering a soldier
Albion gathers to pay respects
- Local News
-
-
Local pro-lifers protest in D.C.
Thousands of abortion opponents marched to the Supreme Court on Monday to mark the 39th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion, and supportive lawmakers urged them to further their cause by working to defeat President Barack Obama in the fall.
-
Cardenas trail set for March
The trial of Carlos Cardenas will move forward in March at the Orleans County Court following the conclusion of a pre-trail hearing on the admissibility of statements made by Cardenas.
-
Board resets salaries
Albion Town Clerk Sarah Basinait and Highway Superintendent Jed Standish, whose salaries were chopped in the 2012 town budget, will not see a pay decrease after all.
-
Senate passes Abbagail's Law
Legislation passed in the New York State Senate could have far-reaching effects for those caught under the influence while acting as a supervising driver.
-
YMCA growth is community plus
Efforts to expand both regionally and in programming is apparently paying big dividends as YMCA membership is up some 35 percent over the past year and a half.
-
Library story hour
Children’s Services Librarian Sue McAllister is reading a story to children from the Head Start program at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library. This is a monthly story hour program the library does for Head Start.
-
Albion tries to figure out Albany's intent
The imposition of a property tax cap is forcing the Albion Central School District to make budget changes, but Superintendent Michael Bonnewell says the issue is due more to an unknown procedure than the levy requirements.
Albion has held tax rates level or lower in recent years. The district is still working to determine where the levy will land, but they expect to slide well below the state-set ceiling for property tax levy increases.
The challenge Albion faces, Bonnewell said, is correctly deciphering the state’s intentions and avoiding penalties if they guess wrong. -
Wine About Winter ramping up
Downtown Medina Businesses will once again be opening their doors and popping corks to celebrate Wine About Winter, which returns for a third year from 2 to 7 p.m. Feb. 4.
More than 30 businesses will participate in the Medina Business Association event, which gives patrons a wine glass and a map of local businesses hosting wine tastings and special offers. -
Strickland Auxiliary donated to vets
Recently Patricia Nolan, president; Corinne Pahura, first vice president and chairman of veterans and family support committee; and Joyce O’Connor, treasurer of Strickland Ladies Auxiliary, Post No. 4635 Veterans of Foreign Wars, delivered a check for $500 to Paul Fulcomer, executive director of Orleans County Joint Council.
-
Dinner, dancing and fundraising
The Lyndonville Music Boosters are hosting a night of dinner and dancing Saturday as part of the final push to raise funds for a music trip to Orlando.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Killer of Fla. Girl Found in Landfill Gets Life
Army Orders Bradley Manning Court-martial
Cancer Charity Revives Breast-screening Grants
Heavy Snowstorm Hits Colorado On Its Way East
2nd Teacher From LA School Arrested on Sex Claim
Prosecutors Close Armstrong Inquiry, No Charges
Sights and Sounds: Football Fans Pour Into Indy
Unemployment Rate Down to 8.3%
Obama: Still Far Too Many Americans Need Jobs
GOP: Jobs Numbers Welcome, Can Do Better
Fla. Man Adopts Girlfriend in Legal Battle
More Deaths As Egypt Clashes Continue
Raw Video: Prince William in Falklands
Egpyt Protesters Blame Police for Soccer Deaths
'Lucky' 9-Year-Old Receives 6-Organ Transplant
Raw Video: Michelle Vs. Ellen in Pushup Contest
First Person: Will Peyton Manning Stay in Indy?
Egypt Shaken After Deadly Soccer Riot
New Suits, New Starts for New York's Unemployed
Hall of Famer Dorsett Speaks Out on NFL Injuries
