Governor Paterson Directs Flags to Be Flown at Half-Staff

ALBANY, NY (11/05/2010)(readMedia)-- Governor David A. Paterson has directed that flags on State government buildings be flown at half-staff on Monday, November 8, in honor of a Fort Drum soldier who died in Afghanistan on November 3.

Army Sergeant First Class Todd M. Harris died of wounds he suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 10th Mountain Division, based at Fort Drum, NY.

"On behalf of all New Yorkers I wish to extend our sympathy to the friends, family, and fellow soldiers of Sergeant First Class Harris," Governor Paterson said. "Though not a native New Yorker, we consider all those who serve at Fort Drum to be part of our New York family. While we mourn his death we will honor his service to our country."

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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