Flags at Half Staff for Ryan Baker

In honor of Specialist Ryan T. Baker, Governor James E. McGreevey signed an Executive Order calling for the United States and New Jersey flags to fly half-staff today, Thursday, November 20, 2003.

“Specialist Baker’s patriotism and dedication to our country makes him a hero to all of us,” said McGreevey. “We honor his memory by flying the National and State flags at half-staff. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.”

Baker, of Browns Mills, died this past Saturday when his Black Hawk helicopter collided with another Black Hawk helicopter in Mosul, Iraq. Baker was assigned to the United States Army’s 4th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, 101st Airborne Division.

Below is a copy of the Executive Order:

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO 85.

WHEREAS, Army Specialist Ryan T. Baker, a resident of the State of New Jersey, graduated from Pemberton High School in 1997; and

WHEREAS, Specialist Baker subsequently enlisted in the United States Army; and

WHEREAS, Specialist Baker served proudly as a member of the U.S. Army’s elite 101st Airborne Division, and was deployed to Iraq in the service of his country; and

WHEREAS, Specialist Baker was a courageous soldier, a loving son and a devoted father; and

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

WHEREAS, Specialist Baker’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, 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 Thursday, November 20, 2003, in recognition and mourning of Army Specialist Ryan T. Baker.

2. This Order shall take effect immediately. GIVEN, under my hand and seal this 19th day of November, in the Year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Three, and of the Independence of the United States, the Two Hundred and Twenty-Eighth. /s/ James E. McGreevey, Governor

Attest: /s/ Michael R. DeCotiis, Chief Counsel to the Governor

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Author: Press Release - State of New Jersey