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For this 100th year of Midsummer Days in North Branch the sponsoring organization—the American Legion Post 85— has opted to recognize the ultimate sacrifice of two North Branch citizens and their Gold Star families. 

John Pinsonneault and Johnathan Benson lost their lives as a result of action in Iraq War explosions.  

Pinsonneault was killed in October 2004 in Baghdad. He was 39.

Benson died in 2006, a couple months after being transported to Houston, Texas for medical care resulting from injuries he suffered encountering an improvised explosive device.   Benson was a 2003 North Branch High School graduate. 

Legion Post Commander Col. Paul L Johnson, retired USAF, said “The group felt it was fitting to honor a couple Gold Star families as they truly know the cost of keeping our country free.”

The Midsummer Days celebration includes the Grand Day Parade, on main street in North Branch (Highway 95). It starts at 2 p.m. Sunday June 21.  There are activities all around town, and a three person scramble golf tournament at the course in town. The usual special treats to eat like a pancake breakfast at the fire hall Sunday, bingo, outdoor dances, the  carnival in Central Park opens tonight. See listing of celebration schedule at the website nbamericanlegion.com. 

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