In honor and remembrance of Lance Corporal Caleb L. Erickson, Governor Mark Dayton has ordered all U.S. flags and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings in the State of Minnesota, from sunrise until sunset on Monday, March 10, 2014.

Lance Corporal Caleb Erickson - who was born and raised in Waseca, Minnesota - was killed in action on February 28, 2014, while serving in the United States Marines in Afghanistan. He was 20 years old.

After graduating from Waseca High School in 2012, Caleb Erickson joined the United States Marines and was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force. Lance Corporal Erickson was known for his smile and contagious, positive attitude, his whole-hearted approach to life, and his love for country and desire to protect and serve.

Lance Corporal Caleb Erickson was a beloved member of his community, and a talented athlete. He loved spending time with his parents, sister, grandparents, and extended family. Despite serving his country around the world, Lance Corporal Erickson remained close with a large circle of friends from Waseca. A celebration of his life will be held on Monday, March 10, 2014, at Grace Lutheran Church, where Caleb was an active member of his church youth group.

At the direction of the Governor, Minnesota flies its flags at half-staff following the death of Minnesota military personnel killed in the line of duty, on the day of interment. A copy of Governor Dayton's proclamation, ordering flags to be flown at half-staff across our state, /governor/assets/Lance_Corporal_Caleb_L_Erickson.pdf_tcm1055-91779.pdfcan be found on the Governor's website here.