Governor Paterson Directs Flags to Be Flown at Half-Staff

ALBANY, NY (03/08/2010)(readMedia)-- Governor David A. Paterson has directed that flags on State government buildings be flown at half-staff on Wednesday, March 10, in honor of Niagara Falls native Army Specialist Alan Dikcis who was killed in Afghanistan on Friday, March 5.

Specialist Dikcis was killed when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device in Kandahar. He was assigned to the 630th Engineer Company, 7th Engineer Battalion of the 20th Engineer Brigade, based at Fort Drum.

"On behalf all New Yorkers, I wish to express our deepest condolences to the family, friends and fellow soldiers of Specialist Alan Dikcis," Governor Paterson said. "Not only did Specialist Dikcis serve his country with deep commitment and courage, he did so with great honor and dignity. We regret his passing but we will forever remember and value his service in the cause of freedom."

Governor Paterson has directed the flags on all State buildings to be lowered to half-staff in honor and tribute to our State's service members who are killed in action or die in a combat zone.

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