In Memory of Edwin Johnston (March 26, 1938 – January 20, 2015) Mr. Johnston cared, shared, and saved me a seat. I first met Mr. Johnston at the Peace Keepers Memorial on the shores of Lake Hamilton in Struthers, OH in October 1995. I arrived early, in part, because I was anxious about meeting the father of one of our fallen. Of course, he was already there waiting. I was a stranger in a small town and he made me feel at ease – like family. We talked about major things, the loss of his firstborn, Corporal Edward Johnston, and minor things, mulch around the base of the memorial. He insisted it look like, “someone cared.” Mr. Johnston shared. He shared his family, his home, and sometimes his sorrows. I recall attending the remembrance service at the Beirut Memorial in Jacksonville, NC in October 1998. Due to the large crowd, parking was at a premium and buses were provided to shuttle those in attendance. I randomly selected a bus, but as I boarded it appeared to be full. As I did an about face to find another, I heard Mr. Johnston’s familiar voice, “Don, back here. I saved you a seat.” After attending his funeral, I found it fitting to return to the sacred site where we first met. I know where Mr. Johnston is now and who he is with. I have one last request of him – Sir, save me a seat!
Posted on: Mon, 26 Jan 2015 00:46:03 +0000
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