Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty has ordered that all U.S. flags and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings in the State of Minnesota, from sunrise until sunset on Saturday, October 17, 2009, in honor and remembrance of Staff Sergeant Aaron J. Taylor.

WHEREAS: Staff Sergeant Aaron J. Taylor was born in Duluth, Minnesota, on March 26, 1982; and

WHEREAS: Staff Sergeant Aaron J. Taylor graduated from Greenway High School, Coleraine, Minnesota, in 2000; and

WHEREAS: Staff Sergeant Aaron J. Taylor enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in February 2002; and

WHEREAS: Staff Sergeant Aaron J. Taylor was a member of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing’s Support Squadron 372, Marine Wing Support Group 37; and

WHEREAS: Staff Sergeant Aaron J. Taylor was a devoted marine and selfless leader. He would light up a room with his smile and spontaneous wit and was a warrior with a gentle soul; and

WHEREAS: Staff Sergeant Aaron J. Taylor died a hero on Friday, October 9, 2009, in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan, while serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom; and

WHEREAS: Staff Sergeant Aaron J. Taylor is survived by his father and step-mother, Clifford and Cindy; mother, Briana; step-father, Dick; brother, Kyle; sister, Bailey; significant other, Stephanie Jacobowitz; and other loving family and friends; and

WHEREAS: Staff Sergeant Aaron J. Taylor was preceded in death by his grandfather, Douglas, and grandmother, Barbara; and

WHEREAS: Visitation for Staff Sergeant Aaron J. Taylor will be held Friday, October 16, 2009, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Sunrise Funeral Home, Hermantown, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: A funeral service for Staff Sergeant Aaron J. Taylor will be held Saturday, October 17, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. at Sunrise Funeral Home, Hermantown, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: Interment with full military honors will be held Saturday, October 17, 2009, at Sunrise Memorial Cemetery, Hermantown, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: The State of Minnesota recognizes Staff Sergeant Aaron J. Taylor 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 all state and federal buildings in the State of Minnesota, from sunrise until sunset on Saturday, October 17, 2009, in honor and remembrance of Staff Sergeant Aaron J. Taylor.