Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty has ordered 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 Sunday, October 17, 2010, in honor and remembrance of Private First Class Ryane G. Clark.

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

WHEREAS: Private First Class Ryane G. Clark was born in Willmar, Minnesota, on July 13, 1988; and

WHEREAS: Private First Class Ryane G. Clark graduated from New London-Spicer High School, New London, Minnesota, in 2007; and

WHEREAS: Private First Class Ryane G. Clark enlisted in the National Guard in 2008, before joining the United States Army; and

WHEREAS: Private First Class Ryane G. Clark was a member of the 57th Sapper Company, 27th Engineer Battalion, 20th Engineer Brigade, United States Army, Fort Bragg, North Carolina; and

WHEREAS: Private First Class Ryane G. Clark was a devoted soldier and selfless leader. His greatest passions in life were his nephews, family, and the outdoors; and WHEREAS: Private First Class Ryane G. Clark died a hero on Monday, October 4, 2010, in Shekhabad, Afghanistan, while serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom; and

WHEREAS: Private First Class Ryane G. Clark is survived by his parents, Rick and Tracy; sister, Aleah; nephews, Conner and Wyatt; grandparents, Eugene and Arlene; uncles and aunts, Roger and Cindy, Kevin and Patty, Diane and Dennis, Becky and Jeff, Tammy and Rick, Wendy and Terry, and Linda; and other loving family and friends; and

WHEREAS: Private First Class Ryane G. Clark was preceded in death by his grandparents, Robert and Eleanore; and

WHEREAS: Visitation for Private First Class Ryane G. Clark will be held Saturday, October 16, 2010, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at New London-Spicer High School, New London, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: Funeral service for Private First Class Ryane G. Clark will be held Sunday, October 17, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. at New London-Spicer High School, New London, Minnesota; and WHEREAS: Interment with full military honors will be held Sunday, October 17, 2010, at Green Lake Lutheran Cemetery, Spicer, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: The State of Minnesota recognizes Private First Class Ryane G. Clark 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 Sunday, October 17, 2010, in honor and remembrance of Private First Class Ryane G. Clark.