WHEREAS, Corporal
Michael E. Curtin, a lifelong resident of the State of New Jersey, graduated
from Howell High School in 1998, where he played three years of varsity
football; and
WHEREAS, Corporal
Curtin enlisted in the United States Army in May, 2001, completed basic
training at Fort Benning, Georgia and subsequently completed the Army's
paratrooper training school; and
WHEREAS, Corporal
Curtin served proudly as a member of the U.S. Army's elite 3rd
Infantry Division based at Fort Stewart in Georgia, and was deployed to
Kuwait in the service of his country in January 2003; and
WHEREAS, Corporal
Curtin was a kind and courageous young man, known for his tremendous bravery,
unwavering faith and a devout love for his family; and
WHEREAS, Corporal
Curtin has made the ultimate sacrifice, giving his life in the line of
duty while fighting for our country; and
WHEREAS, Corporal
Curtin's patriotism and dedicated service to his country makes him a hero
and a true role model for all Americans and, therefore, it is appropriate
and fitting for the State of New Jersey to mark his passing and to honor
his memory;
NOW, THEREFORE,
I, JAMES E. McGREEVEY, Governor of the State of New Jersey, by virtue
of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the Statutes
of this State, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT:
- The flag of the United States of America and the flag of the State
of New Jersey shall be flown at half mast at all State departments,
offices, agencies and instrumentalities during appropriate hours on
Friday, April 11, 2003, in recognition and mourning of Corporal Michael
E. Curtin.
- This Order shall
take effect immediately.
GIVEN,
under my hand and seal this 10th day
of April in the Year of Our Lord, Two Thousand
and Three, and of the Independence of the United
States, the Two Hundred and Twenty-Seventh.
James E. McGreevey
Governor
Attest: