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 Friday, September 7 in honor and remembrance of Army Staff Sergeant Andrew Nelson who died a hero while protecting his country and fighting for freedom on August 29, 2007, in Muqdadiyah, Iraq.

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

Whereas: Army Staff Sergeant Andrew P. Nelson was born in Moorhead, Minnesota, on April 27, 1985, to Daniel and Suzanne (Pribula) Nelson; and

Whereas: Army Staff Sergeant Andrew P. Nelson graduated from Fargo Shanley High School in 2003; and

Whereas: Army Staff Sergeant Andrew P. Nelson enlisted in the United States Army on June 4, 2003; and

Whereas: Army Staff Sergeant Andrew P. Nelson was a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 73rd Cavalry, 82nd Airborne Division, based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina; and

Whereas: Army Staff Sergeant Andrew P. Nelson was a devoted soldier and selfless leader. He loved serving his country and did so with great pride; and

Whereas: Army Staff Sergeant Andrew P. Nelson served one tour of duty in Afghanistan and was serving a third tour of duty in Iraq when he died a hero fighting for freedom on August 29, 2007, in Muqdadiyah, Iraq; and

Whereas: Army Staff Sergeant Andrew P. Nelson was an active member of his community. Before enlisting, he served as an altar boy at his family church, volunteered at local nursing homes, and joined Boy Scout Troop 644 where he eventually earned the Eagle Scout Award. In addition to his commitment to service, Army Staff Sergeant Andrew P. Nelson enjoyed fishing, farming, traveling, and spending time with his family and friends; and

Whereas: Army Staff Sergeant Andrew P. Nelson is preceded in death by his father, Daniel Nelson; grandparents Clarence and Agnes Nelson; and grandparents Leon and Irene Pribula; and

Whereas: Army Staff Sergeant Andrew P. Nelson is survived by his mother Suzanne; five sisters, Jessica, Alix (Evans) Nelson Royal, Erin Nelson, Sonja (Brian) Nelson, and Kristen (Russ) Lukach; two brothers, Dan and Eric; nieces and nephews, Jared, Derek, James, Tyler, and Keyla; and other loving family and friends; and

Whereas: Visitation for Army Staff Sergeant Andrew P. Nelson will be held Wednesday, September 5, 2007, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Saints Anne and Joachim Catholic Church in Fargo, North Dakota. A prayer service and all-night vigil will follow the visitation, beginning at 7:30 p.m., and lasting until 6:30 a.m., Thursday, September 6, 2007; and

Whereas: A funeral service for Army Staff Sergeant Andrew P. Nelson will be held Thursday, September 6, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in Moorhead, Minnesota; and

Whereas: Interment with full military honors will be held Friday, September 7, 2007, at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, Minnesota; and

Whereas: The State of Minnesota thanks Army Staff Sergeant Andrew P. Nelson 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 Friday, September 7, 2007, in honor and remembrance of Army Staff Sergeant Andrew P. Nelson.