Family, friends, local and state government officials, community and military members 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 said 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 others 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 including Gov. David Paterson and U.S. 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 they 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.