WHEREAS, U.S. Marine Lance Corporal Brian P. Parrello, a resident of New Jersey, graduated from West Milford High School in 2003, where he was a member of the football and ice hockey teams; and

WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Parrello postponed attending college and pursuing his goal of becoming a history teacher in order to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps; and

WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Parrello served proudly as a member of the 2nd Marine Division's II Marine Expeditionary Force, and was deployed to Iraq in the service of his country in September 2004; and

WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Parrello was a courageous soldier, and a loving son and brother; and

WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Parrello has made the ultimate sacrifice, giving his life in the line of duty while fighting for our country; and

WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Parrello's patriotism and dedicated service to his country make 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, RICHARD J. CODEY, Acting 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 Saturday, January 8, 2005 in recognition and mourning of U.S. Marine Lance Corporal Brian P. Parrello.

2. This Order shall take effect immediately.

GIVEN, under my hand and seal this 7th day
of January in the Year of Our Lord, Two
Thousand and Five, and of the Independence of
the United States, the Two Hundred and Twenty-Ninth.

/s/ Richard J. Codey

Acting Governor

[seal]

Attest: