GOVERNOR PATERSON DIRECTS FLAGS TO BE FLOWN AT HALF-STAFF

Governor David A. Paterson has directed that flags on New York State government buildings be flown at half-staff on Friday, July 3, 2009, in honor of a Fort Drum soldier killed in Afghanistan on June 26, 2009.

Private First Class Peter Cross of Saginaw, Texas, died of injuries sustained in a vehicle rollover accident. PFC Cross was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 10th Mountain Division.

“On behalf of all New Yorkers, I extend our deepest condolences to the friends, family and fellow soldiers of PFC Cross,” Governor Paterson said. “Though he was not a native New Yorker, we consider all Fort Drum soldiers one of our own and we will forever honor PFC Cross’ life of service and sacrifice.”

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.