Governor Tim Pawlenty today ordered that the United States flag and the State of Minnesota flag be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol from sunrise until sunset on Wednesday, April 4, in honor and remembrance of Staff Sergeant Greg Riewer who died a hero while protecting his country and fighting for freedom on March 23, 2007, in Habbaniyah, Iraq.

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

Whereas: Staff Sergeant Greg Riewer was born in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, on June 12, 1978; and

Whereas: Staff Sergeant Greg Riewer graduated from Frazee High School in 1997; and

Whereas: Staff Sergeant Greg Riewer enlisted in the U.S. Army in August 1997; and

Whereas: Staff Sergeant Greg Riewer deployed to Bosnia in September 2003 and returned in April 2004; and

Whereas: Staff Sergeant Greg Riewer volunteered to serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom in October 2005; and

Whereas: Staff Sergeant Greg Riewer was assigned to the National Guard’s Company A, 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 136th Infantry, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division; and

Whereas: Staff Sergeant Greg Riewer was a devoted soldier who loved serving his country and did so with great pride; and

Whereas: Staff Sergeant Greg Riewer died a hero while fighting for freedom on March 23, 2007, in Habbaniyah, Iraq, while serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; and

Whereas: Staff Sergeant Greg Riewer is survived by his parents, Richard and Janice; and his brothers and sisters, Jon, Phil, Ame, Nick, Matt, Megan, Andy, Melissa, Rya, Molly, Emily, Brady; and

Whereas: A visitation for Staff Sergeant Greg Riewer will be held Tuesday, April 3, 2007, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Frazee, Minnesota, and Wednesday, April 4, 2007, at 12 p.m. at Frazee High School in Frazee, Minnesota; and

Whereas: A funeral service for Staff Sergeant Greg Riewer will be held Wednesday, April 4, 2007, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Frazee High School; and

Whereas: Interment with full military honors will be held Wednesday, April 4, 2007, from 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery; and

Whereas: The State of Minnesota thanks Staff Sergeant Greg Riewer for his dedicated service to the people of this country and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

Now, Therefore, I, Tim Pawlenty, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby order all U.S. flags 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 Wednesday, April 4, 2007, in honor and remembrance of Staff Sergeant Greg Riewer.