From the Office of the Governor of Minnesota:

ST. PAUL -- Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty today ordered that all U.S. and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff on state property from sunrise until noon on Monday, May 26, 2008, in honor and remembrance of the sacrifices of those brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

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

"Whereas: Memorial Day has been officially celebrated in our nation since May 1868 as a way of honoring and remembering the sacrifices of those brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country; and

"whereas: It is important to remember those who fought and died for our freedom and the families they left behind; and

"whereas: The meaning of Memorial Day is important to both present and future generations of Americans; and

"whereas: We pray for peace throughout the world, and we also pray for the safety of our troops as we continue to rely on our brave men and women in uniform to protect our security and defend our freedom; and

"whereas: On this Memorial Day, we honor all of our fallen soldiers, their commitment to our country, and their legacy of patriotism and sacrifice. By giving their lives in the cause of freedom, these heroes have defended and inspired all Americans.

"Now, therefore, I, Tim Pawlenty, governor of Minnesota, do hereby proclaim that Monday, May 26, 2008, shall be observed as Memorial Day in the State of Minnesota and do hereby order all U.S. flags and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff on state property from sunrise until noon on Monday, May 26, 2008, in honor and remembrance of the sacrifices of those brave men and women who have served our country in the past and of those who serve our country today."