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
Remembering a soldier
Albion gathers to pay respects
- Local News
-
- Test story
-
Market on Main will offer fresh produce, baked goods
Medina’s Main Street has more than its fair share of spots to pick up prepared food, but starting this summer there will be a place to buy artisanal bread and locally-grown produce.Dave and Bonnie Reigle have operated a produce stand on their Ridge Road farm for 17 years. They plan to open Reigle’s Market on Main in the former Whole Nine Yards and be open year-round as a bakery and produce store.
-
Lyndonville BoE approves budget propositions
The Lyndonville Board of Education approved the four propositions district residents will vote on May 15, including the school’s $12,964,687 budget.The 2012-13 budget decreases spending by 1.28 percent, but the property tax levy will rise by 1.95 percent to $4,620,374. The estimated property tax rate is $18.40, an increase of 1.38 percent and a bump of a quarter for every $1,000 of assessed property value.
-
Medina BoE OK's budgets for May 15 vote
Medina Central School District residents will have the option this May to vote for a budget that does not raise the property tax levy next year, but does increase the district’s budget by 1.74 percent.
-
Ridgeway sets public hearings
The Ridgeway Town Board will hold two public hearings at its next meeting on May 21.
-
Hoag will host STEM summer camp
The Hoag Library in Albion isn’t set to open until the weekend after Independence Day, but preparations are well underway for a two-week summer camp for a select group of Albion students.
-
Growing like a weed
The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce’s Home and Garden Show had a new home this year, and a record crowd came out to Knowlesville for helpful advice, information about local businesses and organizations, and a wide range of activities, promotions and giveaways.
-
Village budget talks continue
Medina’s 2012-13 budget is coming together at a series of meetings between department heads and village board members that largely focus on projected spending plans and areas where cuts can be made and additional revenue can be found.The board met Monday with Police Chief Jose Avila, who said his department budget will be less than the current year despite increasing salaries and associated benefits.
-
Hoag Library era nears in Albion
The transition of Albion's long-time library to a modern South Main Street facility is quickly approaching, which had the Swan Library Board of Trustees discussing the closing of the current library in early June, a month of movement and plans to resume service at the new Hoag Library on the day after the facility's July 7 grand opening at their Wednesday meeting.
-
Pillars hosting Titanic evening
The extravagant experience that the high-class passengers enjoyed on the first and final voyage of the RMS Titanic will be replicated in a dinner at The Pillars Estate’s new ballroom this weekend.The Pillars echoes the luxury liner’s grand staircase and chandelier, with historic touches throughout the restored County House Road mansion’s ballroom.
- More Local News Headlines



