RAYMORE, Mo. — If you know a veteran, a special thank you should be on the agenda this weekend. Veteran’s Day isn’t until Sunday, but many celebrations have already begun.
One of the celebrations was held Friday afternoon in Raymore, Missouri. Sgt. Jonathan Johansen was honored for his service. The young Marine enlisted after 9/11 out of duty and honor to his country. He’s stateside now, but his hard work and dedication to his fellow Marines earned him the Marine of the Year award in the 9th Marine Corps District.
The humble sergeant was recognized by the city of Raymore during a special flag raising ceremony.
For a Friday afternoon, it was well-attended by Raymore residents and some older veterans like Ron Lacy, who served in the Air Force in the 1950s.
“I thought that was very great, he’s a nice sharp marine,” said Lacy. “I am sure he does his job very well.”
Sgt. Johansen served in Afghanistan in 2010. He’s now stationed in Missouri, much to the delight of his wife and two children. He deflected praise and talk about his achievement — instead he wanted to take time to talk to the older veterans.
“I like to just talk to them, hear their stories,” he said. “There’s differences in the technology, in the ways the wars are fought and everything, but I like to hear what their story is and I am honored to just be a part of their legacy and carry the flag and carry the torch.”
