Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty has ordered that all U.S. flags and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings in the State of Minnesota, from sunrise until sunset on Saturday, April 10, 2010, in honor and remembrance of Lance Corporal Curtis M. Swenson.

WHEREAS: Lance Corporal Curtis M. Swenson was born in Rochester, Minnesota, on May 11, 1989; and

WHEREAS: Lance Corporal Curtis M. Swenson graduated from Rochester Mayo High School, Rochester, Minnesota, in 2007; and

WHEREAS: Lance Corporal Curtis M. Swenson enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2007; and

WHEREAS: Lance Corporal Curtis M. Swenson was a member of the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii; and

WHEREAS: Lance Corporal Curtis M. Swenson was a devoted Marine and selfless leader. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, skiing, camping, and spending time with family and friends; and

WHEREAS: Lance Corporal Curtis M. Swenson died a hero on Friday, April 2, 2010, in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan, while serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom; and

WHEREAS: Lance Corporal Curtis M. Swenson is survived by his wife, Katie; parents, Dave and Kay; sister, Emily; and other loving family and friends; and

WHEREAS: Lance Corporal Curtis M. Swenson was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Max and Bud; and

WHEREAS: Visitation for Lance Corporal Curtis M. Swenson will be held Friday, April 9, 2010, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church, Rochester, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: A funeral service for Lance Corporal Curtis M. Swenson will be held Saturday, April 10, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church, Rochester, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: Interment with full military honors will be held Saturday, April 10, 2010, at Stone Church Cemetery, Houston, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: The State of Minnesota recognizes Lance Corporal Curtis M. Swenson 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 all state and federal buildings in the State of Minnesota, from sunrise until sunset on Saturday, April 10, 2010, in honor and remembrance of Lance Corporal Curtis M. Swenson.