Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty has ordered that 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 Saturday, August 1, 2009, in honor and remembrance of Captain Thomas J. Gramith.

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

WHEREAS: Captain Thomas J. Gramith was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, on October 8, 1981; and

WHEREAS: Captain Thomas J. Gramith graduated from St. Thomas Academy, Mendota Heights, Minnesota, in 2000; and

WHEREAS: Captain Thomas J. Gramith graduated with a degree in aeronautical engineering from North Dakota State University (NDSU) in 2005; and

WHEREAS: Captain Thomas J. Gramith was part of the NDSU Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) and went directly into the United States Air Force following graduation; and

WHEREAS: Captain Thomas J. Gramith was a member of the 336th Fighter Squadron, United States Air Force, based out of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina; and

WHEREAS: Captain Thomas J. Gramith was a devoted soldier and selfless leader. He loved serving his country and did so with great pride; and

WHEREAS: Captain Thomas J. Gramith died a hero fighting for freedom on Friday, July 17, 2009, near Ghazni Province, Afghanistan, while serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom; and

WHEREAS: Captain Thomas J. Gramith is survived by his wife, Angie; daughters, Stella and Eva; father and step-mother, Frederick and Cynthia; mother and step-father, Patricia and Robert; grandfather, Thomas; sister and brother-in-law, Kathryn and Don; sister and brother, Liesl and Patrick; step-sister and brother-in-law, Roberta and Jeremy; step-sisters, Karrin, Brionna, Rebekah, and Amber; step-brothers, Michael and Matthew; father and mother-in-law, Joseph and Betty; and other loving family and friends; and

WHEREAS: Captain Thomas J. Gramith was preceded in death by his grandparents, Helen, Clifford, and LuVerne; and

WHEREAS:  Visitation for Captain Thomas J. Gramith will be held Friday, July 31, 2009, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Willwerscheid Funeral Home, Saint Paul, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS:  A Mass of Christian Burial for Captain Thomas J. Gramith will be held Saturday, August 1, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Paul, Saint Paul, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS:  A ceremony with full military honors will be held Saturday, August 1, 2009, at Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS:  The State of Minnesota recognizes Captain Thomas J. Gramith for his dedicated service to and sacrifice for the people of this country with our deepest gratitude, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and community.

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 Saturday, August 1, 2009, in honor and remembrance of Captain Thomas J. Gramith.