Posted: 9/20/06
Community bids its hero goodbye
 Local veteranís organizations formed an archway as Bensonís casket was taken from the service at North Branch high school Sunday afternoon. |
By MaryHelen Swanson
If but for a brief moment, the people of North Branch felt great compassion this past weekend.
The skies wept along with the family and friends of Johnathan Lee Benson as they comforted each other while saying goodbye to their beloved hometown hero.
Those filled with sorrow and grief hugged and held each other, sharing in their great loss.
But they were reminded Sunday, in an overfilled high school auditorium, that Johnathan didnít lose his life, he willingly gave it to others.
And in his prayer that day, Pastor Frank Gomes reminded everyone that death is not the last chapter in our lives.
Marine Cpl. Johnathan Benson, 21, simply moved on to the next chapter of his life Sept. 9 at Brooke Army Medical Center in Fort Sam Houston, Texas, the pastor said. Benson died of injuries he received while in his second tour of duty in Iraq.
Many in the community remembered the 2003 graduate of North Branch Area High School for his infectious smile and the joy he found in living.
At his funeral Sunday, it was noted that Johnathanís dream had always been to serve his country in the military. With only 21 years under his belt, Johnathan Benson had attained his dream.
Rep. Pete Nelson and his wife, friends of Steve and Marjorie Benson for decades, got acquainted as foster parents. Nelson, who spoke briefly at the funeral, reminded those gathered of Johnathanís faith statement, ìI believe in God and everything Heís done for me.î He repeated the now familiar words of Johnathan who said was ready to find a woman who help him in his walk with Christ. ìHe lived the 23rd Psalm,î Nelson said. Nelson told the mourners that he believed on Sept. 9, when Johnathan came before the Lord, the Lord not only said, ìWell done good and faithful servant,î but ìSemper Fi.î
Paying his respects, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty spoke at the service Sunday, also. Referring to Rick Warrenís best seller, ìThe Purpose Driven Life,î he said Johnathan lived a very meaningful life. He was a real role model, the governor said, noting that people spend too much time on rock stars, Hollywood celebrities and professional athletes.
The real heroes, he went on, are those who serve in the U.S. military. They have heavy burdens, he said, but they have strong shoulders, mentally and physically. ìWe owe them a lot.î Pawlenty said Johnathan drew strength from his family, now, he said, we need to draw strength from Johnathan.
Pawlenty encouraged everyone to think about the most generous thing they had done for others. Johnathan gave the greatest gift to his family and friends, to the state, the nation, and the entire world, he said.
We say ìGod Bless America,î the governor went on, but added that it is obvious that God has blessed America. But freedom isnít free, he said, and some pay more than others.
While many it seemed were stricken by the courage and vitality of Johnathan, even as he struggled to survive in the Texas hospital, it was hospital chaplain Maj. Darrin Powers who was so taken by the spirit of the young Marine that he penned a poem in his honor.
With emotion, he recited it Sunday afternoon. He also noted that Johnathan had received two purple heart medals, one for his shrapnel injury during his first tour of duty in Iraq and the second for the severe injuries he sustained while on his second tour in that country.
Powers said there is no medal, no words that do justice to this young man. Powers, who was immensely impressed with the young Marine, said Johnathan was very mature, yet he could still wear a T-shirt that read ìPlay in the dirt.î Johnathanís spirit was so contagious, he said, that he had the nurses at the medical center arguing over who was going to care for him. In his brief stay at the hospital, Powers went on, Johnathan made things change. He caused so many people to know that life is not just something you do. Powers said from the moment he first walked into Johnathanís room, he could feel the love - the love for Johnathan from his family and the love that emanated from Johnathan himself.
It is said that Johnathan has the Bible verse John 15:13 tattooed on his body. That astounded Maj. PowersÇ because he said it was his favorite verse also. Powers said that in laying his life down for his country and fellow Americans, Johnathan went beyond sacrifice. Powers concluded by saying that love knows when to let go. He encouraged family and friends to work through their grief. Donít get stuck in it and donít ignore it, he said.
An inspiring video of Johnathanís life was presented on a large backdrop behind the flag-draped coffin. From toddler to the young man fulfilling his dream in the military, it was there in the photos - that infectious smile that endeared Johnathan to so many people. People wiped away silent tears and muffled sobs as the brief life of their hometown hero passed before their eyes. Later, local veterans lined the sidewalk leading from the high school auditorium to the hearse, creating a formal farewell archway for the casket to pass through.
Cpl. Benson came home from Texas Friday evening, Sept. 15. A small entourage moved swiftly eastward down Main Street and he was greeted at the Grandstrand Funeral home by a small group of friends and some who didnít even know him. Many carried American flags. Monday morning, Johnathan took his final ride down Main Street and back down the freeway to rest forever in peace in Fort Snelling National Cemetery. And the heavens bid a fond farewell with an endless mist.
Comment from Brian Meskimen, 9/23/06
It was so moving to see how many people came out to pay tribute to John, to see how many lives he touched. I graduated with John and will always remember his infectious smile and sense of humor, and I know he is smiling right now. We laid to rest a great friend and American hero this week, my American hero.
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