St. Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty today proclaimed Monday, March 28, 2005 to be a Day of Remembrance in Minnesota to honor and mourn the victims of the tragic shootings in Red Lake. He has ordered that Minnesota flags on state property and at schools be flown at half-staff and encouraged that a moment of silence and reflection be observed at 2:00 p.m.

"Our hearts go out to the families and friends of all those involved in this tragedy and to the entire Red Lake Nation," Governor Pawlenty said. "Our state comes together in times like these to mourn, support and to heal. On Monday, across the state and particularly in our schools, we will show our support and love for our fellow Minnesotans."

On Saturday, Governor Pawlenty will travel to Red Lake to attend the funeral ceremony for Daryl Lussier and Michelle Sigana.

"As the strong people of the Red Lake Nation search for solace, I ask all Minnesotans to help comfort those who lost loved ones," Governor Pawlenty said.

The text of Governor Pawlenty's proclamation follows:

Whereas: On Monday, March 21, 2005, the Red Lake Nation experienced what Tribal Chairman Floyd Jourdain Jr. said was "the

darkest day in the history of our tribe" when nine individuals were shot and fatally wounded, another seven individuals were shot and injured, by a troubled teenager; and

Whereas: The people of the Red Lake Nation are strong people and the state of Minnesota joins this tight-knit community in

mourning the senseless loss of family members, students, teachers, security guards, peace officers, and friends; and

Whereas: The hearts and prayers of all Minnesotans go out to the Red Lake Nation as they mourn the loss of Daryl Lussier,

Michelle Sigana, Derrick Brun, Neva Rogers, Dewayne Lewis, Chase Lussier, Alicia Spike, Thurlene Stillday, and Chanelle Rosebear, and pray for the recovery of the other victims and ask all Minnesotans to help comfort the families and friends of the victims who are suffering unimaginable pain.

Now, Therefore, I, TIM PAWLENTY, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby proclaim that the State of Minnesota flag be flown at half-staff on state property and on school property across Minnesota from sunrise to sunset on Monday, March 28, 2005. Further, I ask that all Minnesotans observe a moment of silence and reflection at 2:00 p.m. that day in honor of:

Red Lake Day of Remembrance