Local News
HONOR: Firefighters escort fallen soldier home
Jason Johnston to be buried with full military honors
One man brought hundreds of individuals together to brave the cold Sunday as they witnessed a motorcade bringing home a local soldier who was killed at war.
U.S. Army Specialist Jason M. Johnston died Dec. 26 in Arghandab, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.
Johnston arrived at the Rochester Airport just before 11 a.m. Sunday and was escorted by members of the Albion Volunteer Fire Department to the Chrisopher Mitchell Funeral Home in Albion, where community members waved flags and showed their appreciation for the 24-year-old who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
Johnston’s family issued a statement Sunday, which was read by Albion Fire Chief Eric Bradshaw: “This day is about duty, honor and sacrifice. Army Specialist Jason Johnston was a proud American. He was a hometown hero who died serving the country he loved. He felt it was his duty to defend his country and did so admirably in the U.S. Army. His death, while tragic, should serve as a reminder to everyone that the freedoms we have — the ability to speak about our governments publicly, and choices we are allowed to make politically, sometimes come with a price.
“Jason’s family would like to publicly thank all of the people and the organizations that stepped forward to give them the love and support that they did during this difficult time. The beautiful tributes extended in honor of Jason have not gone unnoticed and have been over and above any expectations. Those tributes and actions have been a tremendous comfort for the family and have helped to ease some of the pain they are going through. God bless all of you for your thoughts, prayers and support. God bless all of our troops and God bless the United States of America.”
Visiting hours will be from 2 to 6 p.m. today at the funeral home, located at 21 West Ave., Albion. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Joseph’s Church, R.C., 106 S. Main St., Albion.
According to Patriot Guard Riders, Johnston will be walked from the funeral home to the church in a horse-drawn caisson.
Interment will include full military honors at the Mount Albion Cemetery following the Mass.
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