Memorial held for Mayville soldier

MAYVILLE - A tearful farewell was held as a Dodge County community gathered to say goodbye to a soldier killed in Afghanistan.

A sad silence flutters through the flags outside Mayville High School. It’s pierced only by soft steps - as seemingly the entire city makes its way into the gym.

The few thousand in mourning make this court more like a cathedral.

First Lt. Dave Johnson of Mayville, Wisconsin was killed in action in Afghanistan January 25, 2012.

"Not only was he a great son but he was an American hero," said his father, Andrew Johnson. "He told me don't worry. He always said don't worry about me."

Johnson's family share memories of their fallen son and big brother.

No words are more moving than when his little sister Emily reads a letter he wrote to god in high school.

Johnson's father is also overcome with emotion when presented with his sons purple heart.

Following the funeral Johnson is moved to Mayville's veterans memorial. Again it seems like the whole city is standing by.

Dave Johnson was 24.