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, Friday, January 19, in honor and remembrance of Staff Sergeant James M. Wosika, Jr. who died a hero while protecting his country and fighting for freedom on January 9, 2007, in Iraq.

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

WHEREAS: Staff Sergeant James M. Wosika, Jr. was born on May 4, 1982, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, to Kathleen and James Wosika, Sr.; and

WHEREAS: Staff Sergeant James M. Wosika, Jr. graduated from Highland Park Senior High School in 2000; and

WHEREAS: Staff Sergeant James M. Wosika, Jr. joined the Minnesota Army National Guard in November, 2000, and was assigned to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 136th Infantry; and

WHEREAS: Staff Sergeant James M. Wosika, Jr. was a devoted soldier who loved serving his country and did so with great pride; and

WHEREAS: Staff Sergeant James M. Wosika, Jr. died a hero protecting the men under his command while fighting for freedom on Tuesday, January 9, 2007, near Fallujah, Iraq; and

WHEREAS: Staff Sergeant James M. Wosika, Jr. is preceded in death by his uncle, Thomas Oliver Wosika USMC; grandfather, Fred James Wosika USMC; grandmother, Norma Wosika; and grandfather, Robert Evans USN; and

WHEREAS: Staff Sergeant James M. Wosika, Jr. is survived by his parents, Kathleen and James Wosika, Sr.; sister, Nichole and her husband, Jason Stafford; grandmother, Phyllis Evans; and many aunts, uncles, family and friends; and

WHEREAS: Staff Sergeant James M. Wosika, Jr. will be missed by many here in Minnesota and California, but also by his service family in Iraq who are still serving their country; and

WHEREAS: A wake for Staff Sergeant James M. Wosika, Jr. will be held on Thursday, January 18, 2007, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Highland Park Senior High School in Saint Paul; and

WHEREAS: A funeral service for Staff Sergeant James M. Wosika, Jr. will be held on Friday, January 19, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of Saint 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 Staff Sergeant James M. Wosika, Jr. 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 Friday, January 19, 2007, in honor and remembrance of Staff Sergeant James M. Wosika, Jr.