WHEREAS, Sergeant Alan D. Sherman, a resident of the State of New Jersey, graduated from Ocean Township High School in 1986, where he was a member of the track team; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Sherman enlisted in the United States Marine Reserves in 1994, fulfilling a lifelong dream of being a U.S. Marine; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Sherman served proudly as a member of Bridge Company B of the 6th Engineer Support Battalion, and was deployed to Iraq in the service of his country in February 2004; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Sherman was a courageous soldier, and a loving son, husband, father and brother; and

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

WHEREAS, Sergeant Sherman'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:

1. The flag of the United States of America and the flag of the State of New Jersey shall be flown at half staff at all State departments, offices, agencies and instrumentalities during appropriate hours on Sunday, July 4, 2004 in recognition and mourning of U.S. Marine Sergeant Alan D. Sherman.
2. This Order shall take effect immediately.

GIVEN, under my hand and seal this
2nd day of July
in the Year of Our Lord,
Two Thousand and Four,
and of the Independence
of the United States,
the Two Hundred and
Twenty-Eighth.

/s/ James E. McGreevey
Governor