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Flags lowered Thursday for Army Pfc. Robert Friese

by Tonya Durlach

May 11, 2011 | WMU News

Photo of Army Pfc. Robert Friese.
Army Pfc. Robert Friese
LANSING, Mich.--By order of Gov. Rick Snyder, U.S. flags on all campuses of Western Michigan University and throughout Michigan will be lowered Thursday, May 12, in honor of Army Pfc. Robert Friese, of Harrison, Mich., who died April 29 in Iraq's Al Qadisiyah province.

Friese, age 21, died of injuries sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with a rocket propelled grenade. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment at Fort Hood, Texas. His awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medals, Army Service Ribbon and Overseas Service Ribbon.

An open viewing is scheduled for 2 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 13, at Stocking Funeral Home in Harrison. The funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 14, at St. Athanasius Catholic Church, also in Harrison.

Former Michigan Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm issued a proclamation in December 2003, requiring U.S. flags to be lowered to half-staff throughout the state of Michigan and on Michigan waters to honor Michigan servicemen and servicewomen killed in the line of duty.

Michigan was among the first states to honor its fallen sons and daughters by lowering flags.