Governor Tim Pawlenty today ordered that all U.S. and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff at all state buildings in Minnesota from sunrise until sunset tomorrow, Saturday, March 10, in honor and remembrance of Sergeant Chad Allen who died a hero while protecting his country and fighting for freedom on February 28, 2007, in Iraq.

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

Whereas: Sergeant Chad Allen, was born in Maple Lake, Minnesota, on September 2, 1981; and

Whereas: Sergeant Chad Allen graduated from Maple Lake High School in 2000; and

Whereas: Sergeant Chad Allen joined the United States Marines on May 21, 2003; and

Whereas: Sergeant Chad Allen was trained as a light armored vehicle crewman and was assigned to the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force based in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; and

Whereas: Sergeant Chad Allen volunteered for a second tour of duty in Iraq to take the place of an injured fellow Marine; and

Whereas: Sergeant Chad Allen’s decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon; and

Whereas: Sergeant Chad Allen was a devoted soldier who loved serving his country and did so with great pride; and

Whereas: Sergeant Chad Allen died a hero while fighting for freedom on February 28, 2007 in Al Anbar province, Iraq; and

Whereas: Sergeant Chad Allen is survived by his father, Stephen, and mother, Deborah, of Dairyland, Wis.; sister, Linell Haux of Princeton, Minn.; brothers, Ryan Allen of Annandale, Minn., and Brandon Allen of Milltown, Wis.; grandparents Maryls Ericson of Webster, Wis., and Dale Langanki of Dairyland, Wis.; and a special friend, Mandy Frost of Minneapolis; and

Whereas: A visitation and memorial service for Sergeant Chad Allen will be held Friday, March 9, 2007, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Maple Lake High School; and

Whereas: A funeral service for Sergeant Chad Allen will be held Saturday, March 10, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. at Maple Lake High School; and

Whereas: Interment with full military honors will be held Saturday, March 10, 2007, at approximately 3:00 p.m. at Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery; and

Whereas: The State of Minnesota thanks the family of Sergeant Chad Allen for his dedicated service to the people of this country and we extend our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.

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, March 10, 2007, in honor and remembrance of Sergeant Chad Allen.