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 3^rd 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:

1. 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.
   
   
2. 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: