Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty has ordered that all U.S. flags and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff at the Capitol Complex, including state buildings, monuments, and grounds in proximity to and including the Minnesota State Capitol, from sunrise until sunset on Saturday, July 25, 2009, in honor and remembrance of Specialist Daniel P. Drevnick.

The following is the text of the Governor’s official proclamation:

WHEREAS: Specialist Daniel P. Drevnick was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, on April 13, 1987; and

WHEREAS: Specialist Daniel P. Drevnick graduated from Woodbury High School, Woodbury, Minnesota, in 2005; and

WHEREAS:Specialist Daniel P. Drevnick enlisted in the Minnesota Army National Guard on March 28, 2005; and

WHEREAS: Specialist Daniel P. Drevnick was a member of the 34th Military Police Company, 34th Infantry Division, Minnesota National Guard based out of Stillwater, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: Specialist Daniel P. Drevnick was a drag racing partner with his father, Kenneth, and loved to race his Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution at tracks throughout the Midwest; and

WHEREAS: Specialist Daniel P. Drevnick was a devoted soldier and selfless leader. He loved serving his country and did so with great pride; and

WHEREAS: Specialist Daniel P. Drevnick died a hero fighting for freedom on Thursday, July 16, 2009, in Basra, Iraq, while serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; and

WHEREAS: Specialist Daniel P. Drevnick is survived by his mother and step-father, Roberta and Major Charles Freese; father and step-mother, retired Sergeant Kenneth J. and Julie Drevnick;    grandparents, Charles and Nancy Freese, Josephine Drevnick, Sharon and Donald Fleming, and Charles Elg; brother and sister-in-law, Robert Joseph and Brenda; sister and brother-in-law, Rebecca Ann and Casey; sister, Shelby Marie; uncles and aunts, David, Bernie, Michele, James, Jon, and Linda; and other loving family and friends; and

WHEREAS: Specialist Daniel P. Drevnick was preceded in death by his grandparents, George, Robert and Audrey; and uncle, David; and

WHEREAS: Visitation for Specialist Daniel P. Drevnick will be held Friday, July 24, 2009, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Wulff Woodbury Funeral Home, Woodbury, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: A funeral service for Specialist Daniel P. Drevnick will be held Saturday, July 25, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. at King of Kings Lutheran Church, Woodbury, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: Interment with full military honors will be held Saturday, July 25, 2009, at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS :The State of Minnesota recognizes Specialist Daniel P. Drevnick for his dedicated service to and sacrifice for the people of this country with our deepest gratitude, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and community.

Now, Therefore, I, Tim Pawlenty, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby order all U.S. flags and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff at the Capitol Complex, including state buildings, monuments, and grounds in proximity to and including the Minnesota State Capitol, from sunrise until sunset on Saturday, July 25, 2009, in honor and remembrance of Specialist Daniel P. Drevnick.