NY Flags at Half-Staff on Monday

Governor David A. Paterson has directed that flags on New York State government buildings be flown at half-staff on Monday, July 27, 2009, in honor of four Fort Drum soldiers who were killed in an ambush in Warduk Province, Afghanistan, on July 20, 2009.

Sergeant Gregory Owens, of Garland, Texas; Specialist Anthony Lightfoot, of Riverdale, Georgia; Specialist Andrew J. Roughton, of Houston, Texas; and Private 1st Class Dennis J. Pratt, of Duncan, Oklahoma, died of wounds received when their vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device, followed by an attack with small arms and rocket propelled grenades. The four men were all members of the 4th Battalion, 25th Field Artillery, which is part of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 10th Mountain Division.

"It is with deep regret that we lower the flags on our State buildings to commemorate the passing of these four fine soldiers," Governor Paterson said. "While none of these men came from New York originally, they were stationed at Fort Drum and called New York home for a time, we consider them our own. On behalf of the citizens of New York, I extend the fullest sympathy to their families, friends and fellow soldiers. Their sacrifice for our nation will not be forgotten."

Governor Paterson has directed the flags on all State buildings to be lowered to half-staff in tribute to the State’s service members who are killed in action.

governor's web site

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