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, December 15, in honor and remembrance of Sergeant Nicholas D. Turcotte who died a hero while protecting his country and fighting for freedom on December 4, 2006, in Iraq.
Whereas: Sergeant Nicholas D. Turcotte was born on February 17, 1983, in Highland Park, Illinois; and
Whereas: Sergeant Nicholas D. Turcotte graduated from Maple Grove High School in 2001; and
Whereas: Sergeant Nicholas D. Turcotte joined the Minnesota Army National Guard in 2004 and was assigned to Company A, 2nd Battalion, 135th Infantry; and
Whereas: Sergeant Nicholas D. Turcotte was a devoted soldier who loved serving his country and did so with great pride; and
Whereas: Sergeant Nicholas D. Turcotte died a hero while protecting his country and fighting for freedom on Monday, December 4, 2006, near Nasiriyah, Iraq; and
Whereas: Sergeant Nicholas D. Turcotte is survived by his loving wife, Jennifer; parents, Deborah (Roy) Moore and Mark (Zel) Peterson; grandparents, Betsy and Dave Turcotte and Craig and Joyce Peterson; brothers, R.J. and Alex; sisters, Shelby and Juliet; father- and mother-in-law, Karen and Joel Skagerberg; brother-in-law, Allan Skagerberg; sister-in-law, Katie Skagerberg; and many other friends and family who loved him dearly and will miss him greatly; and
Whereas: A funeral service for Sergeant Nicholas D. Turcotte will be held on Friday, December 15, 2006, at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of St. Vincent de Paul in Brooklyn Park. Visitation will be held before the funeral, starting at 9:30 a.m.; 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 Nicholas D. Turcotte 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, December 15, 2006, in honor and remembrance of Sergeant Nicholas D. Turcotte.