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Benson Honors Fallen Native Son

Merchants and others festooned downtown in red, white and blue to honor a fallen local hero.

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BENSON, N.C. — The town of Benson was decked out in red, white and blue Thursday to honor Staff Sgt. William C. “Clint” Moore, one of nine members of the Army's 82nd Airborne Division who died in an attack in Iraq more than a week ago.
The town had an unmistakable air of patriotism that is visible on mailboxes, on storefronts and along the streets, on lampposts and waving overhead.

“It just broke my heart when I rode by the next morning and saw everything that I just wished he could see what Benson has done for him,” said business owner Libby Johnson.

In 2003, Moore's alma mater, South Johnston High School, honored him after his first deployment. He didn't make it back from a second. So now, in preparation for a final goodbye, the town is giving back to someone who gave it all.

“I called and ordered all the red,white and blue ribbon I could find, and in two days it was all gone,” business owner Richard Davis said.

The ribbon went into more than 100 bows that have been put up, along with flags, up and own Main Street, where Moore's casket will pass Thursday afternoon.

“I just think it's important that the town as a whole, the community comes together and shows some token of appreciation for what he did for us, Chamber of Commerce President Scott Tart said.

People in the community might not have know Moore, but they said the red, the white and the blue in the town are for all soldiers, a thank-you to those still serving and an honor to those who didn't make it home.

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