NEW BRAUNFELS, TX – On Thursday more than 1,000 people filled the Tree of Life Church in New Braunfels. They were there for Lance Corporal John Farias, a 2009 graduate of Canyon High School. They included fellow Marines, his Boy Scout troupe, and former classmates. Farias’s time on earth ended on June 28 in Afghanistan. He died during a firefight.
“I would like for the Marines to be as brave as John is,” said Lance Cpl. Trevino, who spoke at Farias’s funeral.
Not long before he died, Farias wrote a letter to loved ones in the event of his death. If it had to be read, he wrote that he hoped it would be on a sunny day. He also said he did not want anyone to cry over him.
Farias’s best friend from childhood shared the letter at the funeral.
“I could not ask for better parents,” it read. “Now that I’m gone, I will be watching over you all, waiting until we can see each other and rejoice in heaven.”
Farias also made clear in his letter that he died doing what he loved, and his words seemed to touch everyone. Some people held back tears, while others simply held on to one another for support.
The words ended with one final message for the living.
“Smile and be happy,” it read. “Don’t dwell on this, because we all know that nothing is permanent and I’m in a better place.”
Farias was just days from his 21st birthday. He was laid to rest at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio.
