Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty has ordered that 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, August 7, 2009, in honor and remembrance of Corporal Benjamin S. Kopp.

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

WHEREAS: Corporal Benjamin S. Kopp was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 20, 1988; and

WHEREAS: Corporal Benjamin S. Kopp graduated from Rosemount High School, Rosemount, Minnesota, in 2006; and

WHEREAS: Corporal Benjamin S. Kopp enlisted in the United States Army on July 6, 2006; and

WHEREAS: Corporal Benjamin S. Kopp was a member of Company C, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, United States Army based out of Fort Benning, Georgia; and

WHEREAS: Corporal Benjamin S. Kopp was a devoted soldier and selfless leader. He had a deep love of country and was proud to serve and defend the freedoms of our beautiful America; and

WHEREAS: Corporal Benjamin S. Kopp died a hero on Saturday, July 18, 2009, in Washington, D.C., from wounds sustained fighting for freedom in Afghanistan, while serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom; and

WHEREAS: Corporal Benjamin S. Kopp is survived by his mother, Jill Stephenson; father, Duane Kopp; grandparents, Jon, Mary, Ray, and Donna; great-grandmother, Marian; and other loving family and friends; and

WHEREAS: Visitation for Corporal Benjamin S. Kopp will be held Friday, July 31, 2009, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Henry W. Anderson Mortuary, Apple Valley, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: A funeral service for Corporal Benjamin S. Kopp will be held Saturday, August 1, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. at Rosemount High School, Rosemount, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: Interment with full military honors will be held Friday, August 7, 2009, at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia; and

WHEREAS: The State of Minnesota recognizes Corporal Benjamin S. Kopp for his dedicated service to and sacrifice for the people of this country with our deepest gratitude, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and community.

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, August 7, 2009, in honor and remembrance of Corporal Benjamin S. Kopp.