Governor Rendell Orders Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of Lance Cpl. Larry M. Johnson of Scranton

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today ordered all U.S. and Pennsylvania flags in the Capitol Complex and on commonwealth facilities in Lackawanna County to be flown at half-staff in honor of Lance Cpl. Larry M. Johnson, who was killed while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

"Lance Cpl. Johnson will forever remain an American hero, giving his life so that our families and our nation remain safe," Governor Rendell said. "On behalf of all Pennsylvanians, we offer our most sincere condolences to his family and friends and we thank him for defending the freedoms and liberties of our great nation. In his honor, we will lower flags as a sign of respect for his bravery, his service, and his ultimate sacrifice."

Authorities said Lance Cpl. Johnson, 19, of Scranton, died Feb. 18 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Flags will remain at half-staff through interment.

Media contact:  Gary Tuma, Governor's Office; 717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor