All PoconosB2B, News, Classified and all about life in Poconos
  
To view all features of our Web Site, please consider upgrading your web browser!

Read News

Pocono News Section

Fallen Heroes Remembered as Memorial Day Approaches

Fallen Heroes Remembered as Memorial Day Approaches - Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at 04:06AM EST

Reported by: Mark Hiller
Tuesday May 25 2010
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY - Memorial Day is quickly approaching. It's a holiday to remember U. S. men and women who died defending their country. Among them are two Lackawanna County natives -- one who was killed in action three-months ago, the other three-years now.

"We actually had the opportunity to talk to ones who were hurt from it because they were so close like standing right there next to Larry," said Ashley Johnson of Scranton.

She talked about her 19-year-old brother, Marine Lance Corporal Larry Johnson of Scranton, and a roadside explosion this past February in Afghanistan. He tried cutting wires on an explosive device that ended up taking his life. "I just wish he wasn't gone but I'm glad he's gone as a hero," said LCPL Johnson's mother Johanna Johnson. "I'm just so proud of him."

"He definitely sacrificed his life at such a young age," said Ashley. "And it was like he had to have a lot of courage and strength to do something like that."

Those are the same qualities that another Lackawanna County native displayed on the battlefield in Afghanistan. 26-year-old Army National Guard Sergeant Jan Argonish was shot and killed in August 2007 while trying to save a fellow soldier during an ambush. "He believed in what he was doing and he is a hero," said Sgt. Argonish's mother, Nancy Argonish.

A hero who left behind a now 11-year-old son, Jakub, and many other loved ones. "I hope that people realize how expensive that freedom is that we enjoy in this country," said Sgt. Argonish's father, Mike Argonish

One reminder of that high cost of freedom is the Heroes Memorial at Nay Aug Park's Davis Trail in Scranton. Dedicated in November 2008, it recognizes 6 troops with ties to Lackawanna County who died in Iraq and Afghanistan. Mike Argonish's son is among those memorialized at this place of solitude and reflection. "I still look at each individual memorial and then stop at Jan's because he's at the end," he said.

And work will soon be underway on a seventh memorial to honor Lance Corporal Larry Johnson's sacrifice. The plan right now is to put LCPL Johnson's memorial behind the existing six here at the Davis Trail, joining the names of Argonish, Ball and Tudor and also, Veater, Slebodnik and Pugliese.

Like the others, LCPL Johnson is mourned by many -- including marines from his battalion who signed one of his t-shirts then had it framed for his family. With his inclusion this summer to the Heroes' Memorial, even strangers will come to know LCPL Johnson. "I'm glad that people will recognize him because he was a very good kid." said Mrs. Johnson.

A mother's grief that Nancy Argonish knows all too well. "People have to understand that there are young men and women every single day defending the rights of this country, defending the rights of every individual," said Mrs. Argonish.

Something the Argonish and Johnson families hope the rest of us pause to remember Memorial Day. "All they have to do is sit down and say a prayer of thanks to all of the people that have made that ultimate sacrifice," said Mr. Argonish.

Lance Corporal Johnson's memorial will be like Sergeant Argonish's and the others at Scranton's Davis Trail. It will include a 15-foot high steel plate engraved with a personal message from his family.
 


Discuss this news

Your Name (nickname):
Your Email: (will remain private)
Your Comments:
  


Home | News | Businesses | PA places | Classified | Cars for Sale | Account | Products | Home Recipes | Manuals | Stock Images | Earn Commissions | Advertise | Contact Us | Search
Raw Hack

© 2024 AllPoconos.Com All rights reserved.