WLBT 3 - Jackson, MS: Former Marine granted special request

Former Marine granted special request

By Howard Ballou  - bio | email | twitter

 JACKSON, MS (WLBT) - In Humphreys County, there was a special ceremony for a proud former Marine who made a simple request in the twilight of his life.

Rosie Banks only recently discovered her uncle, John Harvey Bennett, was a U.S. Marine who served in Japan in World War II.

She said, "He had so much pride and honor in it." It’s the kind of pride and honor that led to a very special request by Bennett. You see his health is failing. He has lung cancer.

First Sgt. Seth Miller said, "He feels like he's gonna not be with us much longer, so one of his final requests was to see a Marine, shake a Marine's hand and to hear taps played for the last time."

Local Marine Corps Reservists paid a visit to Bennett's Silver City home and after food and fellowship with friends and family, Bennett said, "It just makes me feel real good.” 

Bennett's request was honored and the man who served his country proudly until his honorable discharge in 1952, because said Bennett, “They don’t give up. They don’t give up.”

Taps sounded and Bennett gave a final salute. 

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