Flags ordered at half-staff today

Gov. Tim Pawlenty has ordered the United States flag and State of Minnesota flag to be flown at half-staff today at the State Capitol from sunrise to sunset in remembrance of Staff Sergeant Joshua Hanson, who was killed in action in Iraq on Aug. 30.

Funeral services for Staff Sergeant Hanson will be held in Pelican Rapids, Minn. today.

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

Whereas: Staff Sergeant Joshua Robert Hanson was born on August 22, 1979, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, to Robert and Kathy Hanson; and

Whereas: Staff Sergeant Joshua R. Hanson grew up in rural Dent and graduated from Pelican Rapids High School in 1998. Staff Sergeant Joshua R. Hanson attended Minnesota State University, Moorhead, where he graduated with a degree in criminal justice; and

Whereas: Staff Sergeant Joshua R. Hanson joined the National Guard on December 16, 1996. He was assigned to the Guard’s Company A, 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 136th Infantry, from Detroit Lakes, Minnesota; and

Whereas: Staff Sergeant Joshua R. Hanson was a devoted soldier who loved serving his country and did so with great pride; and

Whereas: Staff Sergeant Joshua R. Hanson was deployed to Iraq in March, 2006; and

Whereas: Staff Sergeant Joshua R. Hanson died a hero while protecting his country and fighting for freedom on Wednesday, August 30, 2006, near Khalidiyah, Iraq; and

Whereas: Staff Sergeant Joshua R. Hanson is preceded in death by his grandfather, Harold Hanson; grandparents, Angelo and Marcella Elizondo; and aunt, Doris Elizondo; and

Whereas: Staff Sergeant Joshua R. Hanson is survived by his parents, Robert and Kathy Hanson of Dent; brother, Jake Hanson of Dent; grandmother, Jean Hanson of Pelican Rapids; aunts and uncles, JoEllen (Paul) Amundson, Linda (Joe) Grysiewicz, Virginia (Joe) Chavez, Hellen Chelberg, Carmen (Nat) Santos, Frances (Henry) Becerra, Lupe (Donald) Scott, Angelo Elizondo, Jr., and Anthony (Jeannie) Elizondo; and many other friends and family who loved him dearly and will miss him greatly; and

Whereas: Visitation for Staff Sergeant Joshua R. Hanson will be held on Friday, September 8, 2006, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at St. Leonard’s Catholic Church in Pelican Rapids; and

Whereas: A funeral with full military honors will be held at Pelican Rapids High School on Saturday, September 9, 2006. Visitation will begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by the service at 12:30 p.m.; and

Whereas: The State of Minnesota thanks the family of Staff Sergeant Joshua R. Hanson for his dedicated service to the people of this country and we extend our thoughts and prayers to his family.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, TIM PAWLENTY, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby order all U.S. 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 Saturday, September 9, 2006, in honor and remembrance of Staff Sergeant Joshua R. Hanson.