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 Friday, July 23, 2010, in honor and remembrance of Specialist Matthew J. Johnson.

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

WHEREAS: Specialist Matthew J. Johnson was born in Maplewood, Minnesota, on March 20, 1989; and

WHEREAS: Specialist Matthew J. Johnson graduated from North High School, Saint Paul, Minnesota, in 2008; and

WHEREAS: Specialist Matthew J. Johnson enlisted in the United States Army in 2008; and

WHEREAS: Specialist Matthew J. Johnson was a member of 618th Engineer Company, 27th Engineer Battalion, 20th Engineer Brigade of the 18th Airborne Corps., United States Army, Fort Bragg, North Carolina; and

WHEREAS: Specialist Matthew J. Johnson was a devoted soldier and selfless leader. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowboarding, skateboarding, and basketball; and

WHEREAS: Specialist Matthew J. Johnson died a hero on Wednesday, July 14, 2010, in the Zabul Province of Afghanistan, while serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom; and

WHEREAS: Specialist Matthew J. Johnson is survived by his mother, Sue; father and step-mother, John and Sandra; brother, Brian; step-sister and brother-in-law, Elizabeth and Todd; grandparents, Loyd and Barbara; grandmother, Norma; aunts and uncles, Bruce, David and Penny, Don and Ann, Rob and Laurie, Cheryl and Robert, Gail and Michael, Scott, and Mark; cousins, Amy, Angie, Chris, Eric, Kari, Kevin, Laura, Jeremy, Mike, Ryan, Stephanie, and Tyler; and other loving family and friends; and

WHEREAS: Specialist Matthew J. Johnson was preceded in death by his grandfather, Henry; and

WHEREAS: Visitation for Specialist Matthew J. Johnson will be held Thursday, July 22, 2010, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Wulff Funeral Home, Saint Paul, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: A memorial service for Specialist Matthew J. Johnson will be held Friday, July 23, 2010, at 1:00 p.m. at Fort Snelling Historic Chapel, Fort Snelling, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: Interment with full military honors will be held Friday, July 23, 2010, at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Fort Snelling, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: The State of Minnesota recognizes Specialist Matthew J. Johnson 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 Friday, July 23, 2010, in honor and remembrance of Specialist Matthew J. Johnson.