Gov. Linda Lingle has ordered the United States and Hawai‘i state flags at state, county and federal buildings throughout Hawai‘i to fly at half-staff tomorrow from sunrise to sunset, in honor of Army 1st Lt. Jonathan P. Brostrom of ‘Aiea
Gov. Linda Lingle has ordered the United States and Hawai‘i state flags at state, county and federal buildings throughout Hawai‘i to fly at half-staff tomorrow from sunrise to sunset, in honor of Army 1st Lt. Jonathan P. Brostrom of ‘Aiea who was killed on July 13, along with eight other U.S. soldiers in an attack by the Taliban in Afghanistan. Funeral services for Brostrom will be held on Thursday in Kane‘ohe.
Brostrom, a Damien Memorial School and University of Hawai‘i graduate, and the eight other soldiers were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, based in Vicenza, Italy.
“Our hearts are saddened by the loss of one of Hawai‘i’s brave sons,” said Lingle, according to a press release. “First Lt. Brostrom earned the respect and trust of his platoon. He was a true patriot who fought with honor to defend our country and our freedom. Our state and our nation are grateful for his service, his leadership and his sacrifice, and our condolences go out to his family and friends.”
“We will forever remember Jonathan for giving his life to the cause of freedom,” said Lt. Governor Aiona, in the release. “We join the people of Hawai‘i in offering our thoughts and prayers to Jonathan’s family and friends.”
H.R. 692 authorizes the governor of a state to order the U.S. flag to be flown at half staff following the death of a member of the Armed Forces who dies while serving on active duty. Based on this law, which was passed by the U.S. Congress and signed by President Bush in June 2007, Governor Lingle, in consultation with State Adjutant General Major General Robert Lee, established a state policy of lowering the national flag to honor an Armed Forces service member killed in action whose “home of record” is Hawai‘i.
