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 Monday, September 11, 2006, in honor and remembrance of Specialist Qixing Hwjhuam Lee who was killed in action in Iraq on August 27, 2006.

Burial services for Specialist Qixing Lee will be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Monday, September 11.

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

WHEREAS: Specialist Qixing Hwjhuam Lee was born on June 12, 1986, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Chedrua and Jianeu Lee; and

WHEREAS: Specialist Qixing Lee joined the United States Army shortly after graduating from North High School in Minneapolis; and

WHEREAS: Specialist Qixing Lee was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, based at Fort Hood, Texas; and

WHEREAS: Specialist Qixing Lee was a devoted soldier who loved serving his country and did so with great pride; and

WHEREAS: Specialist Qixing Lee was deployed to Iraq in March, 2006; and

WHEREAS: Specialist Qixing Lee died a hero while protecting his country and fighting for freedom on Sunday, August 27, 2006, near Taji, Iraq; and

WHEREAS: Specialist Qixing Lee will be given the following awards posthumously: the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat, and the Bronze Star with V Device for his conspicuous actions in the line of duty; and

WHEREAS: Specialist Qixing Lee is survived by his parents, Chedrua and Jianeu; sisters, Xiaoying, Xiaomei, and Ciashia; brothers, Liangqing and Mouwang; paternal grandparent, Maiyang; maternal grandparent, Dia; and many other friends and family who loved him dearly and will miss him greatly; and

WHEREAS: A memorial service for Specialist Qixing Lee will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2006, with a Hmong service from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Guests may pay their respects from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. An English service will be held from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., concluding with a Hmong service from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, September 10, 2006 there will be a Hmong service from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 pm. and an English service from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. A further English memorial service will be held Monday, September 11, 2006 at 9:00 a.m. All services will be held at the Washburn-McReavy Swanson Chapel in Minneapolis; and

WHEREAS: The Lee family invites the public to attend the interment for Specialist Qixing Lee on Monday, September 11, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. in Assembly Area #4 at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

WHEREAS: The State of Minnesota thanks the family of Specialist Qixing Lee 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 Monday, September 11, 2006, in honor and remembrance of Specialist Qixing Lee.