Updated: 10/16/2009 12:55 PM KSTP.com | Print |  Email

Minn. Flags to Fly at Half-Staff for Fallen Troops

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Flags at all state and federal buildings in Minnesota will be flown at half-staff this weekend in honor of a Marine and soldier killed overseas this month.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty says the observance will last Saturday from sunrise to sunset.

Minnesota National Guard Maj. Tad Hervas died in Iraq on Oct. 6 under mysterious conditions. The military says the 48-year-old from Coon Rapids was shot in the head but says it was a noncombat injury.

His funeral will be Saturday in Anoka.

Twenty-seven-year-old Marine Staff Sgt. Aaron J. Taylor died Oct. 9 while serving in Afghanistan. The Pentagon says few details are available about his death.

Taylor's funeral is set for Saturday in Hermantown.

Both will be buried with full military honors.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)