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 Wednesday, April 25 in honor and remembrance of Sergeant Joshua Schmit who died a hero while protecting his country and fighting for freedom on April 14, 2007, outside of Fallujah, Iraq.

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

Whereas: Sergeant Joshua Schmit was born in Willmar, Minnesota, on September 30, 1980; and

Whereas: Sergeant Joshua Schmit graduated from Willmar Senior High School in 1999; and

Whereas: Sergeant Joshua Schmit joined the National Guard after High School and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2001; and

Whereas: Sergeant Joshua Schmit deployed to Iraq in May 2006; and

Whereas: Sergeant Joshua Schmit was assigned to the 1451st Transportation Company, 13th Support Command; and

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

Whereas: Sergeant Joshua Schmit died a hero while fighting for freedom on April 14, 2007, outside of Fallujah, Iraq, while serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; and

Whereas: Sergeant Joshua Schmit is preceded in death by his grandfathers, Cyril Schmit and Lawrence Dolce; and

Whereas: Sergeant Joshua Schmit is survived by his wife, Andrea; parents, Greg and Kim Schmit; sister, Jessica Schmit; niece, Amelia; maternal grandmother, Janice (and Richard) Hazen; and paternal grandmother, Dorothy Schmit; and

Whereas: A visitation for Sergeant Joshua Schmit will be held Tuesday, April 24, 2007, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar, Minnesota; and

Whereas: A funeral service for Sergeant Joshua Schmit will be held Wednesday, April 25, 2007, at 11 a.m. at Willmar Civic Center; and

Whereas: Interment with full military honors will be held Wednesday, April 25, 2007, at Fairview Cemetery in Willmar; and

Whereas: The State of Minnesota thanks Sergeant Joshua Schmit 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 Wednesday, April 25, 2007, in honor and remembrance of Sergeant Joshua Schmit.