WHEREAS, Specialist Rivera joined the Army shortly after graduation, serving with honor and distinction as a member of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, based in Schweinfurt, Germany; and

WHEREAS, Specialist Rivera was killed while his platoon was conducting combat operations in an area west of Ramadi, Iraq; and

WHEREAS, Specialist Rivera was a courageous soldier who loved his parents, family, neighbors, and fellow soldiers; and

WHEREAS, Specialist Rivera was, in turn, loved by his parents, family, neighbors, and fellow soldiers, who take great pride in his commitment, heroism, and achievements; and

WHEREAS, Specialist Rivera has been recommended for some of our nation's highest military honors; and

WHEREAS, Specialist Rivera has made the ultimate sacrifice, giving his life in the line of duty, while fighting on behalf of his country; and

WHEREAS, Specialist Rivera's patriotism and dedicated service to his country and to his fellow soldiers make him a hero and a true role model for all Americans; and

WHEREAS, it is appropriate and fitting for the State of New Jersey, the State where he was raised and educated, to mark his passing, remember his family as they mourn their loss, and honor his memory;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JON S. CORZINE, 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:

1. The flag of the United States of America and the flag of New Jersey shall be flown at half-staff at all State departments, offices, agencies, and instrumentalities during appropriate hours on Friday, December 1, 2006, in recognition of the life and in mourning of the passing of United States Army Specialist Eric Rivera.
2. This Order shall take effect immediately.

GIVEN, under my hand and seal this 22nd day
of November, Two Thousand and Six, and of
the Independence of the United States, the Two
Hundred and Thirty-First.

/s/ Jon S. Corzine

Governor

[seal]

Attest:

/s/ Kenneth H. Zimmerman