Governor Tim Pawlenty today ordered that the United States flag and the State of Minnesota flag be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol from sunrise until sunset on Monday, April 9, in honor and remembrance of Specialist Sean McDonald who died a hero while protecting his country and fighting for freedom on March 25, 2007, in Baghdad, Iraq.

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

Whereas: Specialist Sean McDonald was born in Burnsville, Minnesota, on December 25, 1985; and

Whereas: Specialist Sean McDonald attended Valley Middle School in 5th and 6th grade; and

Whereas: Specialist Sean McDonald moved with his mother to the Netherlands during middle school; and

Whereas: Specialist Sean McDonald enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 18; and

Whereas: Specialist Sean McDonald was assigned to the 9th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division; and

Whereas: Specialist Sean McDonald was a devoted soldier who loved serving his country and did so with great pride; and

Whereas: Specialist Sean McDonald died a hero while fighting for freedom on March 25, 2007, in Baghdad, Iraq, while serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; and

Whereas: Specialist Sean McDonald is survived by his mother, Magdelena “Marleen” Aalten; father, Russell McDonald; sister, Jessica McDonald; grandparents, Ernest and Alie Aalten, and Ron and Mary McDonald; and

Whereas: Memorial services for Specialist Sean McDonald were held Thursday, April 5, 2007, at Ledward Chapel on Ledward Barracks; and in Schweinfurt, Germany; and

Whereas: A funeral service for Specialist Sean McDonald will be held Monday, April 9, 2007, at 11:00 a.m. at White Funeral Home in Apple Valley, Minnesota; and

Whereas: Interment with full military honors will be held Monday, April 9, 2007, at 12:15 p.m. at Fort Snelling National Cemetery; and

Whereas: The State of Minnesota thanks Specialist Sean McDonald for his dedicated service to the people of this country and our thoughts and prayers are with 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 Monday, April 9, 2007, in honor and remembrance of Specialist Sean McDonald.