November 4 , 2009
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, November 6, in honor of a New York soldier who died in Afghanistan.
Staff Sergeant Luis Manuel Gonzalez, of South Ozone Park, was killed on October 27 when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device in the Arghandab Valley in southern Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment of the 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team of the 2nd Infantry Division based at Fort Lewis, Washington.
“On behalf of all New Yorkers, I join the family, friends and fellow soldiers of Staff Sergeant Gonzalez in mourning his death and extend our condolences to the brave soldiers he left behind,” Governor Paterson said. “Though he is no longer with us, his sacrifice on behalf of all Americans 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 or die in a combat zone.
