Governor Tim Pawlenty today ordered that all U.S. and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff at all state buildings in Minnesota from sunrise until sunset tomorrow, Tuesday, December 12, in honor and remembrance of Sergeant Bryan T. McDonough who died a hero while protecting his country and fighting for freedom on December 2, 2006, in Iraq.

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

WHEREAS: Sergeant Bryan T. McDonough was born on July 31, 1984, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, to Thomas and Renee McDonough; and

WHEREAS: Sergeant Bryan T. McDonough graduated from Roseville Area High School in 2002 and was enrolled in classes at St. Cloud Technical College; and

WHEREAS: Sergeant Bryan T. McDonough joined the Minnesota Army National Guard in 2003 and was assigned to Company B, 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 136th Infantry Regiment; and

WHEREAS: Sergeant Bryan T. McDonough was a devoted soldier who loved serving his country and did so with great pride; and

WHEREAS: Sergeant Bryan T. McDonough died a hero while protecting his country and fighting for freedom on Saturday, December 2, 2006, near Falluja, Iraq; and

WHEREAS: Sergeant Bryan T. McDonough received the Bronze Star Medal; and

WHEREAS: Sergeant Bryan T. McDonough is preceded in death by his grandfather, Francis McDonough; and

WHEREAS: Sergeant Bryan T. McDonough is survived by his parents, Thomas and Renee McDonough; siblings, Shannon, Katie, and Kevin; grandparents, Dean and Barbara Svendsen and Angela (Bob) Robson; great-grandmother, Margaret Koenig; and many other friends and family who loved him dearly and will miss him greatly; and

WHEREAS: A funeral for Sergeant Bryan T. McDonough will be held on Tuesday, December 12, 2006, at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Paul; and

WHEREAS: Interment with full military honors will be held following the funeral service at Fort Snelling National Cemetery; and

WHEREAS: The State of Minnesota thanks the family of Sergeant Bryan T. McDonough 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 Tuesday, December 12, 2006, in honor and remembrance of Sergeant Bryan T. McDonough.