WHEREAS, in this conflict, hundreds of United States military personnel have made the ultimate sacrifice and died while serving their country;

WHEREAS, New Jerseyans are among these casualties, and our State mourns their loss deeply; and

WHEREAS, our armed forces, including members of the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard, continue to serve honorably and bravely in the Iraq conflict; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and appropriate to honor those who were lost in Iraq as well as those who served and who currently serve our Country in this conflict;

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 March 19, 2004, in recognition and mourning of those lost in the Iraq Conflict, and to honor those who served and those who continue to serve in the conflict.
   
   
2. This Order shall take effect immediately.

Given, under my hand and seal this 17th day
of March 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

[seal]

Attest:

/s/ Michael R. DeCotiis