State of New Jersey
Executive Order #12

Governor Jon S. Corzine
WHEREAS, United States Marine Corps Sergeant Matthew J. Fenton was born in Englewood, New Jersey, raised in Little Ferry, New Jersey, and graduated from Ridgefield Park High School; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Fenton enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps following his graduation from high school, attaining his goal of becoming a United States Marine; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Fenton proudly served in duty stations around the world and volunteered to serve in Iraq; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Fenton served with honor and distinction as a member of the Marine Forces Reserve's Inspector and Instructor Staff, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, based in Fort Devens, Massachusetts; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Fenton was a courageous Marine who loved his family, friends, and community; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Fenton was, in turn, loved by his family, friends and neighbors who take great pride in his commitment, heroism, and achievements; and

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

WHEREAS, Sergeant Fenton has been awarded some of our nation's highest military honors; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Fenton'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, therefore, it is appropriate and fitting for the State of New Jersey, the state where he was born and raised, 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 Saturday, May 13, 2006, in recognition of the life and in mourning of the passing of U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Matthew J. Fenton.

  2. This Order shall take effect immediately.

GIVEN, under my hand and seal this 11th day
of May, Two Thousand and Six, and of the
Independence of the United States, the Two
Hundred and Thirtieth.

/s/ Jon S. Corzine

Governor

[seal]

Attest:

/s/ Stuart Rabner

Chief Counsel to the Governor