Gov. Dannel P. Malloy is directing U.S. and state flags in Connecticut to fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, July 28, in honor of U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. James Tyler Grotjan of Waterford, who died from injuries sustained while stationed overseas at Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates.
A funeral service in his remembrance is being held on Saturday in New London.
Since no flag should fly higher than the U.S. flag, all other flags — including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise — should also be lowered during this same duration of time.
“Staff Sgt. Grotjan gave his life in service to our nation, and he will never be forgotten,” Malloy said. “We stand with his family and friends in grieving his loss. This brave young man represented the best of Connecticut and our nation. As we pray for him and his family, we also pray for a safe homecoming for all of our troops who are stationed around the world and we thank them immensely for their service.”
“I send my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Air Force Staff Sgt. James Grotjan,” Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman said. “Sgt. Grotjan had a big heart and was the foundation of his family. This unfortunate tragedy took one of Connecticut’s best, and we ask everyone to please keep him and his family in their thoughts and prayers.”